FOOTBALL icon Lionel Messi has sparked fresh excitement among FC Barcelona fans after making an emotional return to the newly renovated Camp Nou and hinting at a possible future comeback to bid the farewell he never received.
Messi, who won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and etched his name into Barça history as the club’s all-time top scorer, paid a private visit to the stadium on Monday.
It marked his first appearance at the iconic venue since his dramatic exit in 2021.
The Argentine superstar left Barcelona after 21 years when the club’s financial crisis prevented them from renewing his contract, forcing him first to Paris Saint-Germain and later to Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.
In a heartfelt Instagram message accompanied by photos from his visit, Messi reflected on the strong emotional connection he still holds with the city, fans and the stadium.
“Last night I returned to a place I deeply miss. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times like the happiest person in the world,” Messi wrote.
He added that he still hopes to return one day, this time to officially say goodbye.
“I hope one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I was never able to do…”
Messi famously departed without a farewell match or a final salute to supporters due to health regulations and the abrupt nature of his exit.
FC Barcelona are currently working on completing full renovations of Camp Nou under the “Espai Barça” project, expected to restore the stadium’s role as one of the most modern football arenas in the world.
The reunion comes as Messi, now 38, continues to shine in MLS. On Saturday, he scored a brace to send Inter Miami into the next stage of the MLS Cup playoffs underlining that he still performs at elite level despite his age.
For many Barça fans, the World Cup-winning captain’s message reignites dreams of one last magical moment in the Blaugrana shirt even if only in a ceremonial match.
