Lionel Messi's surprise visit to the Camp Nou has sent waves of emotion through Barcelona fans worldwide. The Argentine superstar, who now plays for Inter Miami, made a low-profile return to his former home, marking his first visit since his tearful departure in 2021.
Messi's exit from Barcelona was dictated by the club's financial difficulties and La Liga's stringent salary cap, preventing them from renewing his contract despite mutual interest. The pain of that separation was evident in his farewell press conference, where he promised to return one day.
On Monday, Messi posted photos on Instagram of himself at the Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing renovations. The stadium stood silent, a stark contrast to the roaring fortress where he spent two decades etching his name into football history. "Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul," Messi wrote. "A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world." He also expressed his hope to return one day, "and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do."
The visit, which reportedly took place on Sunday night, was a brief detour during Messi's trip to Spain to join the Argentine national team in Alicante. He was accompanied by his compatriot Rodrigo de Paul. According to reports, Messi arrived on a private flight from Miami and stayed in a hotel near Camp Nou with Pepe Costa. The club itself was reportedly unaware of the planned visit. Sources indicate that Messi gained access to the stadium unannounced and was granted entry by Limak staff, who are in charge of the reconstruction.
Barcelona fans met Messi's post with an outpouring of affection, flooding social media with messages of love and longing. The sentiment was echoed by the club, who posted on X, "You're always welcome at your home, Leo".
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has previously stated his desire to honor Messi with a major tribute once the Camp Nou reaches its full capacity of 105,000. "Of course, I'd love that," Laporta said. "It would be a beautiful way to show gratitude and recognition. When we reach 100,000 capacity, we'll be able to hold the tribute he, the club, and everything we achieved together deserve."
Messi's connection with Barcelona runs deep. He joined the club's youth academy at age 13 and became their all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances. During his time there, he won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns, and three Club World Cups.
While Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami, he has hinted that the MLS club could be his last. This has led to some speculation about a possible future role at Barcelona after his playing career concludes. For now, his heartfelt message and surprise visit have served as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between him and the club where he became a legend.
