Leo Messi makes Barcelona RETURN announcement: It’s my home

Robin Bairner

20 Nov 2025 08:41 GMT
4 min read

Lionel Messi has announced that he will return to Barcelona and has put a timeline on his move back to Spain.

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Messi is playing out the final years of his professional career at Inter Miami in MLS and recently signed a new three-year contract with David Beckham’s franchise.

But upon receiving the award for being the ‘Most Loved Player in Barcelona’s History’, organised by Sport, the Argentine admitted that he plans to head back to Barcelona.

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“We have gone through many things together, good and not so good, but it is normal because throughout a career not everything is beautiful. It's my home, my place and my people,” Messi told Sport.

“I would have liked to do my whole career there without having to go to another club.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way but I’ll always remember the moments we shared together.

“I’ve not been to the stadium to watch a game. I had to leave the club without seeing the fans because of the pandemic, so it was a strange year. So thank you to Barcelona. Obviously, I’ve a special affection for everything.”

Messi’s comments come in sharp contrast to those made by president Joan Laporta, who claimed he has “no regrets” over the manner of the icon's departure.

© IMAGO - Messi still has a rift with Barcelona president Joan Laporta

Lionel Messi reveals his Barcelona plan

Laporta is eager to welcome Messi back to a role at the club in a bid to strengthen his claim to be re-elected to his post.

The pair have a difficult relationship and it seems that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still wants to go about things his own way. Indeed, Messi even seems reluctant to accept a role on the board, instead indicating that he plans to be just one more cule at Camp Nou.

“Obviously, I’m going to come back. I’m going to be in the stadium as one more fan, following the team, the club and being another fan,” he said.

“For the time being, I’ll be here for a few more years. But we’re going back to Barcelona because, as I’ve always said, it’s my place, my home. We miss it a lot. So we’ll be back there.”

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