Lionel Messi has been linked with a doable transfer away from Inter Miami with Main League Soccer’s winter break approaching and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, and FC Barcelona has naturally emerged as one of many locations followers dream about. Nonetheless, the Argentine icon has downplayed expectations of a short-term return to the Catalan membership: “I’ll be on the stadium as simply one other fan.“
Spanish outlet Diario Sport held its Gala Valores, an occasion honoring athletic excellence and sportsmanship. For the 2025 version, director Johan Vehils traveled to the U.S. to current Messi with the award for “Most Beloved Participant in Barcelona Historical past,” one more recognition underscoring his enduring bond with the Catalan facet.
Whereas accepting the award, Messi mirrored warmly on his years in Spain: “The reality is we’ve been via so many issues collectively — good moments and not-so-good ones too… However, nicely, it’s my house, my place, my folks. I’d have appreciated to spend my whole profession there with out having to go to a different membership. And… and, nicely, to have performed solely there in Europe.”
Along with acknowledging his need to spend his whole profession at Barça, Messi spoke in regards to the troublesome circumstances surrounding his 2021 departure. “Sadly, issues turned out in another way, however the recollections of all of the moments we shared will stick with me for all times. And, nicely, I’m grateful for this. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been to Barcelona, since I’ve been to the stadium. I needed to depart the membership with none followers there due to the pandemic 12 months, in order that was uncommon as nicely,” he added.
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona faces the media to announce his departure.
The Argentine star closed by reaffirming his dedication to Inter Miami, whereas making clear {that a} future return to Barcelona in a unique function is inevitable: “Clearly, I’ll come again. I’ll be on the stadium as simply one other fan, supporting the crew, the membership, being yet one more supporter. For now, I’ll be right here a couple of extra years, absolutely, however we’ll return to Barcelona as a result of, as I’ve all the time stated, it’s my place, my house. We miss it quite a bit, so we’ll be again there.”
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Messi’s current go to to the revamped Camp Nou fueled pleasure amongst supporters hoping for one final run as a participant, much more so with the MLS break lower than a month away. Nonetheless, the ahead prevented addressing his relationship with present membership president Joan Laporta in current weeks, one thing many see as a key think about whether or not a enjoying return would ever be doable.
Messi already making ready for MLS playoffs
Messi’s final resolution for the MLS offseason stays unknown, however within the brief time period, the Argentine star is concentrated on the Japanese Convention semifinals. Inter Miami will go to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Thursday at 5 p.m. ET with a spot within the ultimate on the road, the place the winner will face both the Philadelphia Union or New York Metropolis FC.
Coaching has resumed at Inter Miami forward of the pivotal match, with gamers coming back from worldwide obligation, together with Messi following Argentina’s recreation towards Angola. Stars Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez additionally accomplished Wednesday’s session, with solely Honduras worldwide David Ruiz working individually within the lead-up to the essential contest.
