Lionel Messi‘s return to FC Barcelona‘s stadium has revolutionized the world of football. The excitement caused by the possibility of seeing the Argentine legend in a Barça shirt again has generated enormous expectation among the club’s fans. However, the player’s entourage seems to be deflating the euphoria.
Messi and his desire to return to the Camp Nou
Messi’s wish has always been to retire at Barcelona and now also to be able to play at the new Camp Nou. But he has a contract with Inter Miami, until December 2025, and it is difficult for his wish to become a reality, so the final decision would depend on the different circumstances surrounding the Barcelona situation, such as the team’s financial situation and whether there is a possibility of fitting Messi’s salary within LaLiga’s financial limits. Barcelona would have to find a way to make it happen.
Another aspect to take into account is the sporting one. Hansi Flick would have a lot to say when it came to deciding the return of Messi, as the German coach’s intention was to put together a competitive team and “it would be a bonus to have Messi on and off the pitch”. The relationship between the coach and the player will be a key aspect when it comes to working out the position he wants to give him within the team.
Apart from the possible deadlines for his return to the league, which may be conditioned by Inter Miami’s calendar and their participation in international competitions (Club World Cup), the fact that FIFA has guaranteed their participation in next summer’s tournament may limit his return to the Catalan club until at least 2025.
What would Messi’s return to Barcelona mean?
Seeing Messi back would have an impact both in sporting and economic terms. Not only would it strengthen the football team’s sporting resources, but it would also have a media and financial impact for the club.
Marketing, T-shirt sales and rekindling the fervour of the fans could be elements that help Barcelona get out of their painful financial hole. With all that, the Barça fans dream of Messi’s return to the Camp Nou. It would be the last dance of their great idol, the farewell card and a last year with the Barça shirt.
But it would also raise some questions. We will have to see how Barcelona’s season ends, but the team seems to have regained the competitive gene. One of the players who could be affected by the Argentine’s return is Lamin Yamal, since, a priori, both players occupy the same position, and it would not be logical for Barcelona to slow down the evolution of a footballer who is destined to dominate world football in the coming years.
The Argentine’s entourage lower expectations
Messi’s entourage and representatives have already taken it upon themselves to lower expectations and have denied that this move will happen. It seems difficult to see the Argentine returning, but it wouldn’t be the first time that a footballer’s entourage has denied real information. In any case, Messi will stay in Miami until the end of the season, then we’ll see what happens with the end of his career.
Messi’s return may be a dream, but the conditions to make it possible may end up closing in the coming months so that a wish may come true, the meeting between the greatest player in the history of the club and the culé fans, may happen and thus be able to put an end to a legendary career.