Lionel Messi has been linked with a sensational return to Barcelona.
Messi left Camp Nou in 2021 after Barca were financially unable to extend his contract, ending a spell that saw the Argentine become the best player in the world. He scored 709 goals in 837 matches and helped the team to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns among many more.
He left for Paris Saint-Germain before linking up with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi has had a major impact on soccer in the States but a report in his homeland is now suggesting he is eager for an emotional return to Catalonia before he hangs up his boots.
When does the report suggest Messi’s move will happen?
TNT Sports Argentina claim Messi has been lined up to rejoin Barca following the 2026 World Cup, when he will be 39 years of age.
Barca want Messi to return to mark the opening of their fully revamped Camp Nou home.
The stadium will be in use from May this year but at a reduced capacity of 60,000 with the roof and the final tier of seats not in full operation until the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Messi currently struggling with fitness woes
The news comes at a time when Messi is starting to struggle more than ever with injuries.
His minutes have been managed carefully by Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was held out of recent games against Houston Dynamo, Cavalier and Charlotte. He started the second leg against Cavalier on the bench, making a goalscoring return after replacing Luis Suarez in Jamaica.
He then started and scored a typically brilliant goal against Atlanta United at the weekend but is now sidelined again with what Inter Miami describe as a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle”.
He will miss Argentina’s two World Cup qualifiers over the next week, against Uruguay and Brazil.
