Could Lionel Messi make a shock return to Barcelona this January?

November 22, 2025 Oliver Obel

Lionel Messi’s surprise late-night visit to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou has reignited speculation about a possible return to Barcelona. The Argentine star’s brief stop at his old home, shared with fans on social media, stirred nostalgia among supporters and prompted questions for club president Joan Laporta about whether a reunion could happen in January.

A visit that rekindled memories

Earlier this week, Messi — now playing for Inter Miami — appeared at the Camp Nou during a private trip to Spain. The 38-year-old posted photos of the empty stadium and ended his message with the words: “I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to…”

The post immediately sparked rumors of a short-term loan move to Barcelona during the MLS off-season. When asked about the possibility, Laporta was quick to cool expectations. “Out of respect for Messi, our players, and our members, it’s not the time to speculate with unrealistic scenarios,” he told Catalunya Radio.

Laporta’s reaction to the visit

Laporta later admitted he hadn’t known about Messi’s plan to stop by the stadium but described the visit as touching and spontaneous. “I didn’t know he was coming, but the Spotify Camp Nou is his home,” he said. “When they told me, I thought it was a lovely spur-of-the-moment decision. He’d just finished dinner and went with some friends.”

He added that Barcelona fully intends to organize a fitting tribute for Messi once the stadium’s reconstruction is complete. “It’s only right that Leo receives the most beautiful tribute in the world. When it’s finished, we’ll have 105,000 fans there,” Laporta said. “We’re working to ensure he gets the farewell he deserves.”

For many supporters, the moment symbolized more than nostalgia — it was a reminder of how deeply Messi’s presence still lingers over the club.

Plans for a fitting farewell

Barcelona’s leadership has long wanted to honor Messi properly after his abrupt exit in 2021, when financial constraints prevented the club from renewing his contract and forced a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Laporta has said several times that reopening the new Camp Nou would be the perfect occasion for the farewell the club icon never received.

While no official date has been confirmed, insiders say the tribute is expected to coincide with the stadium’s grand reopening — a symbolic gesture marking the close of one of the most successful eras in football history.

Messi’s longing for home

Though contracted to Inter Miami through 2028, Messi continues to speak warmly about Barcelona. In a recent interview with Sport, he reflected on how much he and his family miss life in Catalonia. “We miss Barcelona a lot,” he said. “The children and my wife talk about it all the time. We have our house there, everything, so it’s what we want.”

Messi added that he looks forward to seeing the finished stadium. “It’s going to be weird to go back and see it because the last time I saw it was a long time ago,” he said. “It’s going to be exciting to relive those memories.”

Those words — paired with his quiet visit — have only deepened fans’ emotional connection to the idea of a future return, even if only as a guest of honor rather than a player.

Focus on Argentina

For now, Messi’s attention is firmly on international duty. The World Cup winner has joined Argentina’s squad ahead of a friendly against Angola on Friday, where he is expected to start. The match forms part of the team’s preparation for next summer’s Copa América, offering Messi another opportunity to lead his country before returning to MLS action.

Sources: Catalunya Radio, Sport, Instagram, local media reports.