A smiling player in a light blue and white striped jersey in front of a soccer club crest on a purple background.

Official, Barça's Plan for Messi's Return Revealed: Laporta Has It Secured

The return of the Argentine star to Camp Nou is one of the most anticipated things for all the fans.

Leo Messi's Return to FC Barcelona Is a Dream for Many Culers. Although his departure in 2021 was painful, the club is still looking for a way to give him the farewell he deserves.

During his years at Camp Nou, the Argentine star broke all records and left an indelible mark on the history of soccer.  Now, Barça has a clear idea for the '10' to step on the blue and garnet temple once again.

A man in a white T-shirt and denim shorts waves with his hand raised on a football pitch, surrounded by photographers and spectators.
Leo Messi | @leomessi

Messi, An Unmatched Legend

Messi is the best player in Barça's history, and his numbers confirm it. With 778 official matches and 670 goals, he surpassed all the club's legends, leaving behind names like Johan Cruyff, Ronaldinho or Diego Maradona. Additionally, he was key in winning 10 Leagues and 4 Champions Leagues, becoming the most decorated footballer of the blue and garnet team.

Despite his move to PSG and his current stage in Miami, Messi's desire is clear: to play at Camp Nou again before retiring. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona already has a plan to make it happen.

Two soccer players wearing FC Barcelona shirts at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium.
Messi's return | en.carpetasfcb.com

Messi Wants to Play at Camp Nou Once More

Messi's contract with Inter Miami ends at the end of the current season. But in MLS they want to renew it for him to play the 2026 season, coinciding with the inauguration of the new stadium and the USA World Cup.

However, according to journalist Alex Candal, the Argentine prioritizes playing one last match at Camp Nou.  Whether with Barça's jersey, Argentina's or Inter Miami's. This has led the blue and garnet board to start working on a historic farewell.

Messi doesn't forget Barça | @FCBarcelona_es

Barça's Plan for Messi's Return

FC Barcelona has two options on the table to fulfill Messi's wish:

  • Play the 2025 Joan Gamper Trophy with Inter Miami

This would be the most viable option, as it would allow Messi to play at Camp Nou in a friendly match. Without needing to modify his contract with the American club.

Barça would take advantage of this match to pay him a massive tribute with the already renovated stadium.

Inter Miami | @5sergiob
  • Organize a Tribute Match with the Argentina National Team

Another possibility is for Messi to play with Argentina in a friendly at Camp Nou, possibly before the 2026 World Cup.

It would be a unique occasion for the culé fans to bid farewell to their idol in the best way.

Two Argentine men posing together with the training shirts of the Argentine soccer team
Messi with the national team | @claudioecheverri_

Laporta Has Already Given the OK

President Joan Laporta is completely in favor of this initiative and has already given the green light to the idea. Barça knows they can't sign Messi due to their economic situation, but they can offer him the farewell he deserves.

If everything goes as planned, Messi will return to Camp Nou in 2025, even if it's just for one match.  For many culers, this would be the perfect closure for the story of the greatest player of all time in his home.