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Messi’s Camp Nou Visit Revives Barcelona Hopes After He Calls Exit ‘A Bit Strange’

The unannounced stop revived talk of a Barcelona tribute at the renovated stadium, with no agreement for a playing return under his Inter Miami contract running through 2028.

Overview

  • Lionel Messi posted nighttime photos from the rebuilding Camp Nou, writing that he returned to a place he misses deeply and hopes to come back one day, not only for a farewell.
  • His entourage told EFE the visit was not coordinated with FC Barcelona, and multiple reports say Rodrigo De Paul accompanied him and took the images he shared.
  • Barcelona president Joan Laporta has proposed honoring Messi at the stadium’s reopening targeted around 2026, saying it would depend on the player’s willingness.
  • Analysts noted MLS offseason loan mechanisms often dubbed the ‘Beckham clause’ as a theoretical route for a brief European stint, but no talks or plans have been announced.
  • In a new Sport interview, Messi said he did not leave Barcelona as he imagined and described his 2021 departure as a bit strange, expressing strong nostalgia for the club.