Lionel Messi has just caused a stir on social networks with a photo returning to Barcelona to visit Camp Nou Stadium. Currently, Barca's home stadium is in the final stages of completion to welcome fans back from the 2025-2026 season.
Many Barca fans have hoped that the No. 1 legend in the club's history can reunite after a 4 year ago breakup. However, Messi's return to Camp Nou has nothing to do with him having any connection to a move back to his old home ground to play.
The club's president - Joan Laporta has confirmed that there is no way Messi will return to Barca to play. Currently, the 38-year-old superstar is happy at Inter Miami and is preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
"With all respect for Messi, the staff and the club members, I would not speculate about this, this is not the time for it to happen" - Laporta affirmed.
After visiting Camp Nou, Messi had an interview with the famous Spanish newspaper Sport. Here, he talked about the emotions of saying goodbye to Barca 4 years ago to move to PSG to play.
"After leaving the club, I felt a little unfamiliar. I always thought I would have to play football in the last years of my career, but there were no spectators cheering for me because of the pandemic. After spending my life and career at Barcelona, I have never thought of leaving like that.
Although I am no longer playing for Barca, I believe the affection of everyone here is still the same after everything we have gone through" - Messi shared.
Also in an interview with Sport, Messi said he was uncertain about participating in the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old striker - 2022 World Cup champion expressed that he did not want to be a burden to his teammates in the upcoming tournament. If Messi does not participate in the 2026 World Cup, he may announce his retirement from international football.
Thus, Barca fans will not be able to see Messi play for their beloved team again. The current Blaugrana squad has Lamine Yamal, the star who is expected to lead the leadership position in terms of the team's identity. Messi can rest assured about who is considered his successor at Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi is the most successful product of La Masia training center in Barcelona. El Pulga has made 778 appearances for the club, scoring 672 goals and providing 303 assists, both of which are club records. He is a 10-time La Liga champion and a four-time Champions League champion with Barcelona. In addition, the Argentine superstar won 7 out of 8 Ballons d'Or while playing for the Catalan team.
