Lionel Messi's Return to FC Barcelona Is Closer Than Ever. After months of speculation and a failed attempt in 2023, the Argentine and the club have resumed contacts for a possible return in 2025. According to recent reports, Messi has decided not to extend his contract with Inter Miami, which would open the door for his signing with Barça as a free agent.
A Much-Anticipated Return
Since his departure in 2021 due to the club's financial problems, Messi has made it clear that his desire was always to continue in Barcelona. However, the lack of salary margin prevented his renewal and forced him to sign with PSG, where he played two seasons before embarking on his adventure in MLS.
At 38 years old, the Argentine star believes that the perfect time has come to close his career in Europe and, more specifically, at Barça. Additionally, the opening of the new Camp Nou in January 2026 would be the ideal setting for his definitive farewell to elite football.
The Agreement Between Messi and Barça Advances, But There Are Conditions
Despite the mutual interest, Messi has set three non-negotiable conditions to accept his return to Barça:
- The hiring of his personal advisor, Pepe Costa.
Pepe Costa has been a key figure in Messi's career. Since his time at Barça, the Argentine has always relied on him as his trusted person, and in his return, he wants him to be part of the club again.
- The signing of his two personal physical trainers.
Messi is aware that he is in the final stretch of his career and wants to maintain his physical condition at the best possible level. To do this, he demands that Barça incorporate the two physical trainers he currently works with at Inter Miami.
- A symbolic salary but with performance incentives.
Knowing Barça's delicate financial situation, Messi is willing to lower his salary and accept a contract with a very low fixed amount. However, he wants performance and title incentives to be included, something that would allow the club to adjust the signing within Financial Fair Play.
When Could the Signing Happen?
From Barça's board, led by Joan Laporta and Deco, they view these conditions favorably. They know that Messi's economic and sporting impact would far exceed any effort the club has to make to bring him back.
Additionally, President Laporta wants to fulfill the promise that Messi has a dignified farewell at the club, something that couldn't happen in 2021. With Camp Nou under renovation and the team under construction under Hansi Flick's leadership, the return of the Argentine star would be a boost on all levels.
Barça's plan is to incorporate Messi in January 2026, just when the new Camp Nou opens its doors. However, if Inter Miami agrees to release him in December 2025, the operation could be brought forward.
This way, Messi would return to play in Europe with the aim of preparing in the best possible way for the 2026 World Cup, his last major international event with Argentina.
Messi's return to Barça would not only mean an improvement for the team but would also be a global impact move. His return would elevate the club's media impact, attract new sponsors and, above all, allow fans to give him the farewell he deserves.
The coming weeks will be key to defining whether Messi's last dance at FC Barcelona becomes a reality. Will Barça meet the Argentine's conditions?