BARCELONA: Football legend Lionel Messi has stirred emotions among FC Barcelona fans after making a secret visit to Camp Nou, returning to his former home for the first time since his emotional exit in 2021.
The Inter Miami star quietly entered the under-renovation stadium on Sunday night without any public announcement, marking a deeply nostalgic moment for both the player and his supporters.
Messi later shared a heartfelt Instagram post reflecting on his late-night visit, writing:
“Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also expressed his longing to officially bid farewell to the club and its fans someday:
“I hope that one day I can come back, not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got the chance to do.”
A Return Filled With Memories
This was Messi’s first visit to Camp Nou since August 2021, when financial constraints forced Barcelona to part ways with their all-time top scorer. His departure ended a 20-year association with the Catalan giants, during which he scored 672 goals and won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and numerous other honours.
After his emotional farewell, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami, where he has continued to impress. The 38-year-old recently delivered a standout performance with two goals and two assists in a 4-0 victory over Nashville, leading Miami into the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals.
A Possible Camp Nou Reunion in 2026
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has repeatedly voiced his desire to give Messi the farewell he truly deserves. With the renovated Camp Nou set to reopen in 2026, Laporta hinted that the club may plan a tribute match to honour the Argentine icon.
“It would be wonderful to reopen the stadium with a full crowd honouring Leo,” Laporta said earlier this month.
Messi’s unexpected visit has reignited hope among fans who dream of seeing him return in some capacity — perhaps as part of the Camp Nou reopening ceremony or even a farewell tribute match.
For now, Messi’s quiet return stands as a poignant reminder of his unbreakable bond with Barcelona, the club where he grew from a shy teenager into one of football’s greatest-ever players.
