Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Inter Miami's Lionel Messi hopes to one day return to Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his soccer career, he wrote Monday on Instagram.
Messi, 38, signed an extension with Inter Miami in October. He is now under contract with the Herons through the 2028 MLS season, but his former Spanish club has mutual interest in a reunion.
"Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart," Messi wrote on the post, which included photos of himself at Camp Nou, Barcelona's home stadium.
"It's a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do."
Messi has repeatedly said he never wanted to leave Barcelona. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner departed from the La Liga power in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain of France's Ligue 1. Messi fled Paris for Inter Miami in 2023.
He scored 672 goals over 778 appearances at Barcelona, while leading the club to dozens of trophies, including 10 La Liga crowns and four Champions League titles.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta told reporters last week that a tribute to Messi would "be a beautiful way" to open the club's new stadium, which is estimated for full completion by 2027.
"It would be a beautiful way to inaugurate the Camp Nou, with a tribute to Leo Messi and the stadium full," Laporta said. "I would be delighted to hold a tribute match for Leo."
Messi led the Herons to multiple trophies and won an MLS MVP, but has yet to capture an MLS Cup. He earned the MLS Golden Boot in 2025, when he recorded a league-best 29 goals in 28 matches. He also logged 19 assists, which tied for the most in MLS, and is the favorite to clinch an unprecedented second-consecutive MVP Award.
Messi and the Herons will take on FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals Friday in Cincinnati. The winner will meet the Philadelphia Union or NYCFC in the Eastern Conference final.