For years, supporters have hung on to the dream of a fairytale return of Lionel Messi.
The bond between Lionel Messi and the club is emotionally encompassing, and speculation about his return has not faded since his surprise departure in 2021, but in reality, the picture that is being painted behind the scenes is much less rosy.
While the player may be seen, be it on the pitch or in a more traditional role, and various comments and speculation may have been tolerated about the future, the relationship with the player’s current management of Barcelona has been characterised as ‘cold and distant’, according to Diario Sport.
Reports suggest that the communication has ended. The speculation from the media, as well as both parties deciding not to communicate, says everything, even if they won’t openly say it to one another.
Reports also suggest the player is staying away from public comments on Barcelona, careful not to exacerbate the divide.
Lionel Messi, whose rocky relationship with Barcelona’s board shows no signs of mending.
While there was some hope of a fairy tale return after the 2026 World Cup, the noise has been firmly quashed.
Messi’s focus now is completely shifted to his new dawn with Inter Miami in the MLS.
On the one hand, contract renewal talks are apparently at an advanced stage, with the American club keen to establish their global brand around him, especially as they prepare their new stadium.
For Barcelona, Messi’s already diminishing potential return marks the end of the era.
His legacy at Camp Nou remains unassailable, but the future belongs elsewhere.
As Messi takes up the position of MLS superstar, the door should be firmly shut on the return to Barcelona, at least in being under under current board.
The dream lives on for the fans, but in the meantime, for the moment: it is a dream.
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