Lionel Messi opens the door to sensational Barcelona return amid transfer theory

Lionel Messi has been playing for MLS side Inter Miami for the past two years after deciding to leave Paris Saint-Germain, but it appears he still has ambitions of returning to former club Barcelona

Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to make an emotional return to Barcelona amid questions over his Inter Miami future. The 2018 World Cup winner departed the Camp Nou back in 2021 following a glittering career with the Spanish giants.

Messi had won 10 league titles, seven Spanish cups and four Champions League trophies during his time with the La Liga club. But Messi departed over four years ago at the end of his deal, with Barcelona failing to extend his contract due to their woeful financial position.

Messi bid farewell to the club in an emotional press conference before joining Paris Saint-Germain. He spent two years in the French capital ahead of a switch to the United States.

But Messi was recently back at Barcelona, having been given a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing Nou Camp renovation. Taking to Instagram, he vowed to return to the club one day in the future.

“Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart,” Messi wrote. “It’s a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over.

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“I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do…”

While Messi has expressed a desire to one day return to Barcelona, president Joan Laporta also wants to facilitate a reunion. He said: “Of course, I would love that.

“It would be a beautiful way to express our gratitude and recognition. Once the stadium reaches its new capacity, we can organize the tribute he and the club truly deserve.”

Could Lionel Messi ever return to Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Laporta added: “Always, of course, depending on what [the Messi camp] wants. There are also presidential elections before then, but in the case I am still president, I would love that.”

Messi could potentially be on the look for a new club sooner rather than later. He has been linked with making a loan move away from Inter Miami during the MLS off-season.

Turkish giants Galatasaray have been linked with an ambitious move for the Argentine forward, with the intent to offer him regular football ahead of next summer’s World Cup in the USA. Away from his short-term future, Messi has already confirmed where his long-term future lies.

He signed a new deal with Inter Miami only last month – a contract that is set to run until the summer of 2028.

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