The Rosario-born star visited Barcelona's new stadium and expressed his desire to return someday before saying goodbye as a professional player
The Argentine star's message came just a few days after FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his desire for the reopening of the renovated stadium to be the setting for a tribute to Messi. During an open training session, Laporta had stated: "It will depend on whether they want it," referring to the possible tribute match, hinting that the final decision will rest with the player himself and his inner circle.
Lionel Messi once again caused a strong stir in Barcelona after sharing an emotional message about his return to Spotify Camp Nou, the stadium where he wrote some of the most glorious chapters of his career. Taking advantage of his time in Spain, while he is with the Argentina National Team in Alicante, the Albiceleste captain visited "a place I miss with all my soul," as he expressed on his social media.
The night before the start of the training camp, Messi went to the stadium and posted a series of photos of the exterior and the new Camp Nou field, which is currently being modernized to increase its capacity and improve its facilities.
Along with the images, he left a message that moved blaugrana fans: "Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times like the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I was never able to do so…"
Messi's words were interpreted as a response full of sensitivity and openness to that longing of the club and the fans, who dream of seeing him say goodbye in the place where he became a legend.
The post also revived memories of Messi's abrupt departure in 2021, when differences with the management prevented a farewell worthy of his history. In that memorable farewell press conference, Messi had confessed his sadness at not being able to say goodbye on the field. "I would have liked to say goodbye in a different way. I have been in the first team for 16 years, starting from scratch and changing is a very big challenge," he said then, through tears.
Three years later, his message brings back hope that this meeting between the idol and his fans can still have its well-deserved final chapter.
