Alex Cardel, who was the first to report Lionel Messi's move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami, has once again sent shockwaves through the football world by revealing that the Argentine superstar is aiming for a return to Barcelona, where he wants to play at the newly renovated Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi has just entered the final year of his contract with Inter Miami, with whom he is set to compete in the Club World Cup this summer. Recently, reports in Spain and Argentina have suggested that a return to Catalonia after retirement is a real possibility, especially after David Beckham himself stated that Messi's future will continue in eastern Spain.
The 37-year-old Argentine signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami in July 2023. A month ago, Spain's Marca reported that Inter Miami would be willing to let him play for Barcelona during the American off-season in exchange for extending his contract for another year. This arrangement would allow him to maintain consistent match fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set to be held in the United States.
Messi has repeatedly stated his desire to return to Barcelona one day. However, before last summer's Copa América, he declared in an interview that Inter Miami would be the final club of his career. Over the years, Messi's statements regarding his future have often changed, he previously retired twice from Argentina's national team before reversing his decision. Still, a return to Barcelona could serve as a fitting and emotional conclusion to his legendary career, even if his role at the club would no longer be as central as it once was.
