Lionel Messi's Emotional Camp Nou Return: “I Hope to Come Back”

Lionel Messi's Camp Nou visit reignites speculation about future

Lionel Messi visits Barcelona's revamped Camp Nou, expresses desire to return one day.

“Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart. A place where I was immensely happy...”

Lionel Messi made a surprise visit to Barcelona's Camp Nou, the stadium where he spent 21 years of his career, and expressed his desire to return one day. The Argentine football legend, who is currently playing for Inter Miami, was seen walking on the pitch and sharing his emotions on social media.

Messi, 38, joined Barcelona's youth academy at 13 and became the club's all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances. He left the club in 2021 due to financial difficulties, and his visit has reignited speculation about a possible future role or tribute match at Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, has expressed his desire to return to Barcelona's Camp Nou, the stadium where he spent 21 years of his illustrious career. Messi, who is currently playing for Inter Miami, visited the revamped stadium on Sunday, sharing his emotions on social media, saying, “Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with my soul. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do.”

Messi's visit to Camp Nou has reignited speculation about a possible future role or tribute match at the stadium. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his desire to have Messi present at the official reopening of the stadium, stating, “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.”

“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 a thousand times like the happiest person in the world,” the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on Instagram on Monday.

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

You're always welcome at your home, Leo. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/LUgD5D6Wdb

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 10, 2025

Lionel Messi has extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, a move that will keep him with the MLS club until he's 41 years old. This comes after he previously stated that Inter Miami would likely be his last club, sparking speculation about his future plans.

“You're always welcome at your home, Leo,” Barca posted on X.