Football General Manager
- All-time great left for PSG in 2021
- Yet to extend contract in MLS
- Expected to grace Camp Nou again
All-time great Messi severed career-long ties with Barca in 2021 when it became apparent that the Liga giants could not afford to offer him a new contract. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner headed off to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
After two years in Ligue 1, Messi decided to chase the American dream in 2023 when joining Manchester United legend David Beckham at MLS outfit Inter Miami. Questions are being asked of his future there, while talk of an emotional return to Barcelona being made is never far away.
The Blaugrana are eager to see a record-shattering product of their La Masia academy system grace the field at Camp Nou again, with that iconic venue having undergone a serious facelift that is close to completion.
Barca president Laporta told Mundo Deportivo when asked about getting Messi for an emotional appearance in familiar surroundings: “Back then, throughout the final stage of Leo’s time at Barca, we always said it: The most beautiful thing would be to inaugurate the new Spotify Camp Nou with a tribute to Leo Messi.
“I’m sure the idea has reached his family – in fact, it’s already been discussed. It’s something we’d be absolutely delighted about, but of course, it also depends on Leo and his family. I hope it happens. It would be really beautiful.”
Messi’s contract at Inter Miami is due to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign. A 12-month extension option is yet to be triggered, with the 38-year-old playmaker mulling over his options as the countdown to a global title defence at the 2026 World Cup continues.
