Lionel Messi made a heartfelt return to Barcelona’s renovated Camp Nou on Sunday, sharing his hope of one day saying a proper goodbye to the club’s fans.
Messi left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after the club’s financial difficulties prevented them from renewing his contract. His exit was sudden, and his only farewell to fans came during a tearful press conference before he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Now with Inter Miami, Messi returned to Camp Nou on Sunday evening after leading his team to the next round of the Major League Soccer playoffs. “I hope I can return someday, and not just to say goodbye as a player, like I never got to,” he said.
Camp Nou has been undergoing renovations for nearly three years, but the stadium is nearing reopening with limited capacity. The club hopes to host competitive matches there after the international break, with ongoing work aimed at reaching a full capacity of around 100,000.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed plans to honor Messi with a special tribute once the renovations are complete. “It would be a beautiful way to show gratitude and recognition,” Laporta said during a recent test event. “When we reach 100,000 capacity, we’ll be able to hold the tribute he, the club, and everything we achieved together deserve. It probably won’t happen before the end of 2026, when club elections are scheduled. If I’m still president then, I’d be very happy to lead Messi’s tribute at the stadium.”
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