Overview
- Messi made an unannounced visit to the renovated Camp Nou and posted that he hopes to ‘return one day,’ rekindling public interest in his Barcelona ties.
- President Joan Laporta called a playing reunion unrealistic and pointed to Messi’s Inter Miami deal, which runs through the 2028 MLS season.
- Laporta said the club is working on a permanent tribute, including a statue at the Spotify Camp Nou, with the design to be agreed with Messi’s family.
- Reporting in Spain suggests some Barcelona board members suspect political rivals may have had a hand in Messi’s visit ahead of looming elections, a claim the club has not confirmed.
- A separate Spanish report says manager Hansi Flick opposes a short-term loan for Messi, viewing it as unnecessary, as the team focuses on its current project.