Last season FC Barcelona clinched the LaLiga title and made it to the semifinals of the Champions League with a thrilling style of play under head coach Hansi Flick.
However the start of the 2025/26 season has been difficult for Barça, falling behind Real Madrid in the league and sitting 11th in the Champions League standings. Injuries to key players like Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri have robbed the team of attacking options and some fans are calling for reinforcements in January.
The international break gave Barcelona stars some time to recuperate but also brought a shock return for one of the team’s most famous sons. Lionel Messi made an unscheduled trip to Camp Nou earlier this month, stepping onto the turf to see how the redeveloped stadium was looking.
That visit sparked talk of a potential return for Messi, who is currently playing in MLS for Inter Miami. On a recent social media post, Messi shared a photo of his Camp Nou trip with the caption: “I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to."
Now 38 years old, Messi remains a top performer and a key part of the Argentina national team. He has recorded 42 goals and 20 assists with Miami this season and would be welcomed back by many Barcelona fans.
Head coach Flick was asked about the prospect of a Messi return this week and he distanced himself from the talk, saying: “Messi is the best football player of the last ten years, if not more. I have always enjoyed watching him play, he is fantastic, what he has done is incredible. His contract ends in 2028, mine in 2027... it’s not up to me to train him.”
Having just signed a three-year extension with Miami it is incredibly unlikely that Messi would return to play for Barcelona again. But the excitement surrounding his trip to Camp Nou makes clear that he is still a beloved figure among supporters.
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youngsemzy
1
👏👏
Alupigus68
0
Wtf is there even a question among the socialists Spaniards that Messi is and was the best player that ever blessed their team with such talent? I have never seen so much ignorance as I have during the while ordeal with him leaving through the back door and later with all kinds of bull rap statements from officials mainly. It's the same as Manu and Ronaldo. These mfers are and were possessed. Messi at 38 is better than most players now at Barca. Not by much because he is 38. When he was young he was twice as good as most. Iniesta and Xavi were exceptions. Long live the king of Barca
fauzishma
0
Rumours everywhere 🤣🤣🤣
snapsv
5
He will always be welcomed by the fans.