After Nashville SC’s 4-0 defeat in the MLS playoff final, Lionel Messi boarded a plane back to Barcelona, having scored twice and provided two assists in the match. Upon arriving in Spain, he headed straight to the Nou Camp, the club’s home ground, which has recently reopened following an extensive renovation.
Messi’s appearance at the stadium sparked rumours of a possible return to Barcelona. However, club president Joan Laporta has made it clear that a comeback as a player is “not realistic”.
Laporta stressed that Messi’s visit was purely personal and emotional, not a signal of returning to competitive football. The 38-year-old joined the team at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday before linking up with the Argentina squad in Spain, later sharing pictures on social media. In the caption, Messi wrote: “I hope one day to return and give the farewell I never had as a player.”
Despite speculation among fans, Laporta sought to quash any talk of a return. Speaking to Catalunya Radio, he said: “His farewell wasn’t exactly as we wished. Out of respect for Messi and everyone at the club, it wouldn’t be right to spread rumours about something that isn’t realistic.”
He added: “I didn’t even know Messi was coming; Nou Camp is his home. After dinner with a few friends, he simply turned up. It was completely spontaneous, a gesture full of the spirit of Barça.”
Laporta also revealed plans for a major farewell ceremony once the renovations are complete. “Messi deserves the most beautiful tribute in the world. When the stadium is fully ready, we want to hold the event in front of 105,000 spectators.”
Messi spent over 20 years at Barcelona, including 17 seasons with the first team. In 778 appearances, he scored 672 goals and won 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons before moving to Inter Miami in 2023. He has recently extended his contract with the MLS club until the 2028 season, when he will be 41.