Lionel Messi made a surprise visit this past weekend to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, catching fans and club officials off guard.
The legendary forward, who left Barcelona in 2021, was seen walking inside the revamped stadium, a place where he spent over 20 years and became the club’s all-time greatest player.
Messi later shared photos of his visit on social media and posted a heartfelt message expressing how much he missed the club and the stadium.
He wrote, “Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world.”, as per Messi’s official Instagram.
The 2022 World Cup winner also revealed his hope to return to Barcelona one day—not just as a visitor but to finally say goodbye properly, something he never got to do when he left two years ago.
The timing of Messi’s visit is significant as Barcelona prepares to welcome fans back to the redeveloped Camp Nou later this month after nearly two years away.
The club has been working to finalize plans for an official tribute to Messi at the stadium’s reopening, with president Joan Laporta saying it would be a “beautiful way to inaugurate Camp Nou” and give Messi the farewell he deserves.
More than 23,000 fans already attended a recent test event at the stadium, with full reopening targeted for 2027, aiming to hold matches with increasing attendance over time.
The refurbished Camp Nou features modern amenities while preserving the club’s history, making it a fitting backdrop for Messi’s return.
For Barcelona supporters, Messi’s unexpected homecoming and emotional words have reignited hope for a proper reunion and tribute.
Though no official date has been set for his return or tribute match, Messi’s visit shows the enduring bond between the player and the club.
This moment marks an important step toward closing a poignant chapter in Barcelona’s history and looking ahead to the future.
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