Lionel Messi has revealed his heartfelt wish to return to Barcelona one day, as speculation continues surrounding his future at Inter Miami. The World Cup winner left the Catalan giants in 2021 after an illustrious spell at the club. During his time with Barcelona, Messi secured 10 league titles, seven Spanish cups and four Champions League trophies. However, he departed more than four years ago when his contract expired, with Barcelona unable to offer fresh terms due to their dire financial situation.
Messi said goodbye to the club in an emotional press conference before making the switch to Paris Saint-Germain. He remained in the French capital for two seasons before making the move across the Atlantic. However, Messi returned to Barcelona for a visit, where he was shown around the ongoing Nou Camp redevelopment works. Writing on Instagram, he pledged to return to the club at some point down the line.
"Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart," Messi wrote. "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.."
Whilst Messi has made clear his ambition to one day return to Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta is equally keen to make it happen. He said: "Of course, I would love that.
"It would be a beautiful way to express our gratitude and recognition. Once the stadium reaches its new capacity, we can organise the tribute he and the club truly deserve."
Laporta added: "Always, of course, depending on what [the Messi camp] wants. There are also presidential elections before then, but in the case I am still president, I would love that."
Messi might be seeking pastures new in the coming months. The World Cup winner has been tipped to secure a loan switch away from Inter Miami whilst the MLS is on its winter break.
Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray have been mooted as a shock destination for the Argentine maestro, with the prospect of offering him consistent match action before next summer's World Cup in the United States. Regardless of any short-term plans, Messi has already made clear where his future commitments lie.
He penned fresh terms with Inter Miami just last month - an agreement that ties him to the club through to the summer of 2028.