Lionel Messi drops a huge statement about his plans, revealing he is strongly considering an official return to Barcelona.
Amid a stellar MLS campaign and World Cup preparations, speculation swirls around a meticulously planned homecoming that could see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner bridge his past and future with the Blaugrana.
That homecoming is an official return to Barcelona, with reports indicating Messi has mapped out family logistics for a post-MLS life back in Catalonia once his Inter Miami deal expires in 2028.
The 38-year-old’s deep yearning, expressed in a November 2025 Diario Sport interview: “I really want to go back there, we miss Barcelona a lot.” His wife and children, settled in Florida yet nostalgic for Camp Nou memories, have reached a consensus to relocate, leveraging Messi’s retained property in the city.
Messi’s blueprint avoids coaching—too confrontational for his demeanor—instead eyeing an ambassadorial or directorial role within Barcelona’s sporting structure.
A recent private Camp Nou visit amid renovations underscored his emotional pull, though tensions with outgoing president Joan Laporta linger from the bitter 2021 exit.
Post-retirement, he envisions contributing commercially and strategically, boosting finances strained by Espai Barça costs and transfer ambitions under Hansi Flick.
Inter Miami’s trophy haul, including the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, fulfills Messi’s Stateside chapter, but Barcelona’s allure endures.
Presidential hopefuls like Victor Font and Marc Ciria openly court his influence for the 2026 elections, promising pathways home without midterm politicking.
A farewell friendly at the revamped Camp Nou remains floated, allowing one last dance before administrative duties.
This saga blends legacy preservation with pragmatic reinvention, potentially positioning Lionel Messi as Barcelona’s ultimate elder statesman.
As Argentina defends its World Cup crown this summer, eyes stay fixed on when—and how—the prodigal son truly returns.
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