Thriller surrounds Lionel Messi’s late-night go to to Camp Nou with studies suggesting Barcelona had been unaware the Argentina famous person was desiring to drop in.
Footage surfaced this morning on Messi’s Instagram of his return to the place the place he made his title with 672 targets in 778 appearances. It was his first go to since his exit from the membership in 2021.
The Argentina star had flown into Barcelona from the USA on his option to the Spanish metropolis of Alicante to hitch up with the nationwide workforce forward of their worldwide pleasant with Angola this week.
Simply hours earlier, he had scored twice and assisted two extra as his Inter Miami facet thrashed Nashville 4-0 within the MLS playoffs to advance to the Jap Convention semi-finals for the primary time. They are going to face FC Cincinnati subsequent.
Messi requested for permission, in accordance with Barcelona
The official line from Barcelona, who confirmed the information of Messi’s go to two hours after the submit was printed on Instagram, was that he turned up on the stadium and requested to be let in by safety agency Limak, who in flip contacted the membership for permission to permit the eight-time Ballon d’Or entry.
Nonetheless, Catalan sports activities publication Mundo Deportivo say they’ve been in contact with the Messi camp, who insist no permission was sought or granted by Barca.
The apparent query is how the 38-year-old, at round midnight native time, entered the stadium which stays beneath reconstruction and gained’t be accomplished till late in 2026?
Both method, it’s obvious there stays large mutual affection between the Spanish champions and their former hero with Messi stating: “Final night time I returned to a spot that I miss with all my soul. A spot the place I used to be immensely blissful, the place you made me really feel a thousand instances the happiest particular person on the planet.
“I hope that sooner or later I can return, and never simply to say goodbye as a participant, as I by no means bought to do…”
Barca responded with a submit on X which learn: “You’re at all times welcome at your own home, Leo.”
No send-off for Messi, Barca’s biggest ever participant
Messi gained 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions Leagues and 7 Copas del Rey with the membership in a glittering spell earlier than Barcelona’s monetary issues meant he was unable to signal a brand new contract. His messy exit, and Covid, meant he was not afforded a correct send-off.
He joined Paris Saint-Germain and remained within the French capital for 2 years earlier than leaving for Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi’s want for an opportunity to say goodbye to the Blaugrana trustworthy will undoubtedly occur, it’s only a matter of when.
Barca president Joan Laporta, whose choices in the end led to Messi’s departure, is assured their private relationship has healed and, talking at a latest occasion that noticed the membership’s supporters allowed in to the revamped stadium to observe a coaching session, admitted he was eager to stage a tribute sport.
“In fact, I might love that,” Laporta mentioned. “It could be a wonderful option to categorical our gratitude and recognition. As soon as the stadium reaches its new capability, we will organise the tribute he and the membership really deserve.
“It could be a good way to open the stadium [when it’s completely finished], with 105,000 packed in and paying tribute to Leo.”