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Messi's secret return to Camp Nou: wish or illusion?
Lionel Messi visits Camp Nou and talks about a possible return to Barcelona as the club heads towards new elections.
Messi's secret return to Camp Nou: wish or illusion?
A rumor is making the rounds that is making the football world sit up and take notice: Lionel Messi could be considering a return to FC Barcelona. On Monday, the soccer star posted on Instagram that he missed the Camp Nou and was happy there. The 38-year-old, who currently plays for Inter Miami, visited Barcelona without prior notice on Sunday evening, which took the club management completely by surprise.
Messi had traveled to Spain to meet up with his Argentina teammates for an upcoming training camp in Alicante. He also wanted to take a look at the progress of the renovations at Camp Nou, which are known to be behind schedule. His return to the city happened to coincide with the night Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2. This game reduced the gap to Real Madrid in La Liga to three points.
A comeback in the minds
In his Instagram post, Messi expressed his desire to one day return to the club not only as a player but also in another capacity. So it's no surprise that his words sparked conversations among fans and officials about a possible return. Barcelona president Joan Laporta, however, remains skeptical and pointed out that the club does not want to loan Messi in the winter. He stressed that there was no regret over Messi's departure and that it was still important that Barça remained top priority.
The relationship between Messi and the current board has become strained due to the circumstances of his departure, which was marked by the club's financial problems and a sense of betrayal. It's no secret that Messi was also not unaware of the financial uncertainties at FC Barcelona before his decision to move to Inter Miami.
The future in focus
But the Argentine superstar remains an issue. There are rumors that he could be considering a role at the club, although Messi has repeatedly stressed that he has no interest in becoming a coach. Laporta expressed optimism about the idea of hosting a testimonial match for Messi at the renovated Camp Nou once the work is completed by the end of 2027.
Messi's recent visit and the way he shares his longing for the club on social media shows that the connection to that past is of great importance to him. How this story will develop remains to be seen, especially ahead of the upcoming presidential election in Barcelona, in which Laporta is expected to run for re-election.
So it remains exciting to see how this matter will develop in the future. Messi made history in his 21 years at Barcelona and no one would want the chapter “Messi and Barcelona” to remain closed for good.