Messi Vows Emotional Barcelona Comeback During Triumphant Camp Nou Return
Lionel Messi returned to Barcelona's refurbished Camp Nou stadium on Sunday and expressed his wish to personally farewell the Blaugrana supporters at some stage in the coming period.
Messi notably left Barcelona during summer 2021 when the La Liga club was legally prevented from extending his contract due to financial constraints that have begun to improve in subsequent years.
Due to the unexpected nature of his departure, Messi was unable to properly say goodbye to supporters within Camp Nou, with an emotional press conference serving as his sole opportunity before completing his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Four years on, Messi, currently with Inter Miami, stepped back onto the Camp Nou pitch on Sunday night following his role in guiding the Herons to the subsequent stage of the Major League Soccer playoffs.
Recording his visit through social media, a moved Messi clearly demonstrated he hasn't forgotten his previous club as he promised to witness the stadium at full capacity eventually.
"Last evening I visited a location I deeply miss," Messi posted. "A venue where I experienced tremendous joy, where you all made me feel like the most fortunate individual on earth countless times.
"I wish I could visit again someday, and not merely to farewell as a player, which I never had the opportunity to do..."
Joan Laporta: We'll Honor Messi When Camp Nou Is Complete
Camp Nou has been experiencing reconstruction for nearly three years but is approaching a return to accommodating Barcelona matches. The organization has already obtained approval to reopen with a significantly reduced capacity and aims to be hosting competitive fixtures back at their traditional home following the international break.
Stadium construction is anticipated to continue throughout the upcoming year to complete an impressive facility with approximately 100,000 seats, at which time club president Joan Laporta would prefer to organize a ceremony honoring Messi.
"Absolutely, I would welcome that," Laporta stated during a recent trial event at Camp Nou. "It would be a wonderful method to demonstrate appreciation and acknowledgment.
"Once we achieve 100,000 capacity, we'll have the ability to conduct the ceremony he, the organization, and all our joint accomplishments merit.
"However, it likely won't occur before late 2026, as that's when club elections are scheduled. I'm uncertain if I'll remain president at that time, but if I do, I'd be delighted to oversee Messi's ceremony at the venue."