“Barcelona will always be my home,” Messi said in a heartfelt message shared after his visit. “I’ve lived the best years of my life here, and every time I come back, it feels like I never left.”

The Argentine superstar ended his lifelong chapter with the Catalan club in 2021, but he has never hidden his desire to return to the place where it all began. During a short break while Inter Miami was off-season, Messi took the opportunity to return to Barcelona and witness the ongoing renovations at the legendary Camp Nou.

Messi famously broke down in tears during his farewell to Barça, as everyone understood that the club’s financial struggles made renewing his contract impossible. As a free agent, he chose to take on a new challenge in France, signing with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

At PSG, Messi continued adding to his impressive trophy collection, teaming up with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, his family — wife Antonela and their three sons — found it difficult to adapt to life in Paris. That’s why, when David Beckham and Inter Miami approached him in 2023, Messi decided to pursue his “American dream.”

Since then, he has extended his record to eight Ballon d’Or titles — after winning the 2022 World Cup — and collected 46 major trophies, making him the most decorated player in football history. Two of those titles — the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield — came in the United States.

Although Messi is enjoying life in South Florida, speculation about a possible return to Camp Nou never seems to fade. While a comeback as a player is unlikely — especially after he extended his contract with Inter Miami — a future role as a club director or global ambassador remains a real possibility. For now, Messi is simply cherishing a quiet walk around the empty, ever-evolving stadium that still feels like home.

After stepping once again onto the pitch he illuminated for two decades, Lionel Messi shared an emotional message on Instagram:

“Last night, I returned to the place my soul has always longed for. A place where I was incredibly happy — where you made me feel like the happiest man in the world, thousands of times over. I hope that one day I can come back, not just to say goodbye as a player, because I never had the chance to do that…”

Inter Miami has expressed its full support in helping Messi have the farewell he truly deserves in Catalonia. Club president Jorge Mas stated:

“The way Messi left Barcelona wasn’t what he wanted. He never got to say goodbye to the club that raised him, and the circumstances were far from ideal. I’ve promised to do everything I can in the coming years to help him have that moment with the Barcelona fans. Inter Miami will be there — or we’ll organize a special match.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona is reportedly considering inviting their “prodigal son” back to take part in a commemorative friendly match celebrating the reopening of Camp Nou once renovations are complete. However, scheduling conflicts and ongoing construction have delayed the plan. The stadium isn’t yet ready to host fans, meaning Messi may have to wait until after the 2025 MLS season to return to Europe for such an event.

Club president Joan Laporta, who has often spoken about wanting to bring Messi back, reaffirmed his intention:

“What we want most is to give Messi the tribute he truly deserves — one worthy of everything he has given to this club.”

For now, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, which will take him past his 40th birthday. The club is also building its new stadium, set to open ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

Under former teammate Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami hopes to inaugurate that stadium as defending MLS Cup champions. Messi’s brilliant form this season — with 42 goals and a place in the MLS Cup quarterfinals — continues to fuel that dream.