Lionel Messi has answered any questions about his feelings about Barcelona following his dramatic departure in 2021.”Last evening, I returned a place I miss with my whole heart,” he wrote on Instagram with photos of him standing in the Camp Nou.”I hope I can one day return to a place that I miss with all my heart, not just to bid farewell as a footballer, as I didn’t get to do …”Messi had returned to Spain to join up with the Argentina National Team in Alicante before Friday’s friendlies against Angola. It was a surprise to see Messi back on the pitch where he spent 17 trophy-laden seasons considering he had just helped Inter Miami advance in the MLS Cup playoffs on Saturday.In his illustrious tenure at Barça, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, winning 34 trophies, including 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League titles. But in 2021, he left for PSG amid financial struggles at Barça – a hasty move that felt abrupt and seemingly no one on either side wanted.On Tuesday, Messi reiterated his fondness for Barcelona in an interview. “We miss Barcelona a lot,” Messi told Spanish outlet Diario Sport. “With my wife and kids, we talk about Barcelona constantly. The idea is that we want to live there again. It’s our home, and everything.”After two years at PSG Messi made the move to MLS, joining Inter Miami. Messi’s Miami team has a shot at its first MLS Cup after two seasons. In that time, Messi has already won two trophies: the Leagues Cup and Supporters Shield.It’s strange to be leaving because of what happened. My final seasons were played without fans, thanks to the pandemic. “I didn’t have the dreamy goodbye I hoped for after spending my entire life there.” Barcelona plays at the Olympic Stadium in the city as Camp Nou undergoes renovations worth nearly $2 billion. The stadium is set to open 2026, and has a seating capacity of almost 105,000. Inter Miami’s new stadium will be worth $1 billion, and seat 25,000 spectators.”I imagined that I would spend my entire career playing in Europe at Barcelona and then come here [to Miami]As I did because it was my plan. Messi explained, “It’s what I wanted.” “My goodbye was strange because of the circumstances.Want to receive great stories in your email? Follow leagues, players and teams to receive a daily personalized newsletter! FOLLOW Personalize your FOX Sport experience by following your favorites
2025-11-11 20:14:19
Lionel Messi’s Surprise Return to Camp Nou: ‘We Miss Barcelona A Lot’
