Lionel Messi’s Emotional Return to FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi, the legendary forward, recently expressed his desire to bid farewell to FC Barcelona in the proper manner, a moment he felt was taken from him when he left the club in August 2021. After visiting the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou for the first time, Messi took to social media to share his emotions, revealing that the stadium holds a special place in his heart.
Reflections on His Time at Barcelona
Posting a series of photographs from his visit on Monday, Messi reminisced about the joy he experienced during his years there, saying,
“Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart. It brought me immense happiness and made me feel like the happiest person in the world on countless occasions.”
He further elaborated, expressing a wish to return not just for a player’s farewell, which he felt he never truly had, but for a fitting tribute.
Challenges Surrounding His Departure
His departure from Barcelona was precipitated by the financial turmoil that the club faced, which ultimately led to his unexpected move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Additionally, Covid-19 restrictions at that time contributed to his inability to say a formal goodbye to fans. Since his exit, there have been discussions about hosting a tribute match for Messi, a proposal supported by club president Joan Laporta. Laporta has indicated that such a match could serve as a grand reopening event for the Camp Nou once its renovations are finalized and suggested it would be attended by a full house of fans paying homage to Messi.
Current Status of Camp Nou Renovations
Barcelona is presently playing in a temporary venue as the renovations of Camp Nou, which began in 2023, continue. While the club currently holds a license to fill the stadium with just under 26,000 fans, they are hopeful of increasing that capacity soon. The complete renovation, expected to be finished around 2027, will boost the stadium’s capacity to approximately 105,000 seats.
Messi’s Continued Success
Amidst this, Messi recently showcased his prowess on the field by scoring two goals and providing assists for Inter Miami as they secured their first MLS playoff series win. He returned to Barcelona just before joining the Argentina national team for upcoming friendlies, where they will prepare for next summer’s World Cup. Over his illustrious 17-year tenure with Barcelona, Messi netted 672 goals in 778 matches and helped the club amass an impressive 34 titles, including ten La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
