Messi debate: A comeback to Camp Nou in the air?

Messi debate: A comeback to Camp Nou in the air?

Lionel Messi, the former FC Barcelona superstar, is causing excitement in the football world again. On Monday, he surprised fans with an Instagram post in which he spoke about his return to Camp Nou. He missed this special place and expressed his wish to say goodbye to Barcelona not just as a player. In a thoughtful comment, club boss Joan Laporta emphasized that expectations of a comeback were excessive and that there was no possibility of loaning Messi out in the winter. He made it clear that he has no regrets about Messi's departure and that the club is his top priority, as oe24 reports.

But was Messi's visit to Camp Nou actually worth it? On Sunday evening he sneaked into the stadium without the club's knowledge. Just a short time earlier, the Argentina international had scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Nashville in the MLS playoffs. While in Spain, where he was preparing with his national team-mates for a friendly match in Angola, Messi was also curious about the progress of the renovation work at the iconic stadium, which is, however, behind schedule. While he initiated these prepared discussions, his visit to Barcelona concerned him on a private level. The club management was visibly surprised when they found out about his stay, report the New York Times.

The scenery and the emotions

Messi's connection to FC Barcelona is deep and emotional. He joined the club's youth academy in 2000 and left a historic footprint with 672 goals from 778 appearances. His departure in August 2021 was marked by financial difficulties and a feeling of betrayal towards Laporta. Nevertheless, his connection remains strong: Messi had previously expressed interest in returning, but ultimately chose Inter Miami due to the club's financial uncertainties. His wife also threw a Barcelona-style birthday party for their son, further fueling speculation about his intentions.

In a moment of hope for reconciliation, Messi revealed on Instagram that he "misses the Camp Nou" and doesn't just want to come to "say goodbye." Relations with the current club management are strained, but Laporta does not seem entirely averse to returning. Laporta is likely to run again in Barcelona's upcoming presidential election, scheduled for the first half of next year. In this context, one can speculate about the possibility that Messi could take on a role at the club in the future, although he has stressed that coaching is not in his plans. Laporta has also hinted at the idea of ​​a farewell game for Messi at the renovated Camp Nou, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

A look into the future

Messi continues to show his talent not only on the football field, but also in business. The 38-year-old recently attended an event in Miami where he discussed his plans beyond football and expressed interest in various business ventures. While football remains his heart, it appears he is also taking his business ambitions seriously. Messi's capitalizing genius remains evident in his actions and statements.