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Lionel Messi confirms Barcelona return plan as Inter Miami superstar admits 2021 departure left a ‘bitter taste’
Lionel Messi has announced his intention to make a return to Barcelona, acknowledging that his departure from the club in 2021 left a lingering sense of disappointment.
In the summer of 2021, the revered Argentine football icon bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona due to the club’s financial constraints, preventing them from extending his contract.
Although there was speculation about a potential reunion with Camp Nou after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain concluded in the summer of 2023, Messi ultimately opted for a move to MLS team Inter Miami.
Messi has yet to bid a proper farewell to Barcelona’s devoted fans, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed his determination to rectify that situation following his historic victory in Paris on Monday night.
“There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ended. I deserve to say goodbye to the people that gave me so much joy. If it happens I’ll be very happy to be there of course,” he told reporters.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has made it clear that their prodigal son would be embraced with open arms at some point in the future, and he has put forth two potential dates for the eagerly anticipated reunion.
Laporta disclosed that the club is currently in talks with various stakeholders to organize an official event for Messi, with two options in mind: either in June 2026, coinciding with the completion of the Camp Nou renovations, or in November 2024, when the first team will officially return to their home stadium for matches.
In the meantime, Lionel Messi is gearing up for his return to action with Inter Miami in 2024. He will participate in pre-season preparations in anticipation of the upcoming MLS campaign, set to commence in February.