Shocking Revelation: What Really Drove Messi's Emotional Camp Nou Comeback
Lionel Messi's surprise appearance at Camp Nou on Sunday was kept completely under wraps from Barcelona officials, according to new reports.
The Argentine icon surprised supporters with a Monday morning social media post featuring him on the Camp Nou pitch, which is preparing to welcome Barcelona matches once more following almost three years of extensive renovations.
While Barcelona released a statement to local press claiming they had authorized Messi's stadium access, The Athletic reports this wasn't accurate, as multiple internal sources confirmed they were unaware of Messi's presence.
Reports suggest Messi's Camp Nou visit was arranged through Limak, the construction firm overseeing the stadium renovations, despite no official construction activities occurring during his visit.
His Barcelona stay appears to have been brief. Characterized as "extremely quick," Messi wanted to observe Camp Nou's current condition before departing to meet Argentina's national team for November's international fixtures.
Messi's photos were accompanied by an intriguing caption where the iconic striker expressed his wish to return and bid farewell to supporters, "beyond just being a player."
What Did Messi's Social Media Message Mean?
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly expressed his intention to organize a Messi tribute at Camp Nou once the stadium fully reopens, presumably in 2026 following the upcoming presidential elections.
Despite the timing of Messi's post, sources emphasize the 38-year-old isn't expected to participate in Barcelona's electoral process. He recently committed to a three-year deal with Inter Miami and remains concentrated on his playing career.
Messi is, nevertheless, acknowledging that retirement approaches and is already planning his post-playing future. He's taking on more business responsibilities but appears receptive to maintaining Barcelona connections after ending his playing days.
Dating back to 2022, Messi told ESPN he has no coaching ambitions, though he kept that possibility open by referencing Zinedine Zidane, who held similar views before capturing three Champions League titles as Real Madrid manager.
The sporting director position attracts Messi more, having expressed this preference in 2022 and reaffirming his interest during a 2023 OLGA interview.
"Constructing a squad, supporting managers and mentoring young players" were Messi's reasons for this preference, and Barcelona would undoubtedly have a position waiting for the Argentine at Camp Nou should he choose to pursue it.