Lionel Messi admits that he and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo are “constantly talking” about a future return to Barcelona.

The Argentine maestro went viral on social media after posting a picture of himself strolling on the pitch of the new Camp Nou on Monday. It was a nighttime visit, completely unannounced. The greatest player in Barcelona’s history was back at his former home, where he had been “very happy”.

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Posting the photos and a short video, Messi wrote in the caption: “Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my soul. A place where I was incredibly happy, where you all made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope I can return someday, and not just to say goodbye as a player, like I never got to…”

Messi made an emotional exit from Camp Nou in 2021 when, amid financial struggles for the LaLiga giants, no new contract could be signed. He moved to Paris with his family, before eventually heading to Miami.

There has been talk over the last four years about a possible return in a playing capacity, but Messi has now committed to a contract in South Florida that will keep him in MLS through the 2028 campaign.

While a playing comeback for the Blaugrana has become unrealistic, the 38-year-old superstar still intends to return to his spiritual home. With his secret tour of Barcelona’s iconic revamped stadium, speculation has surged once again.

A day later, in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Diario SPORT, Messi discussed his unexpected departure, his hope of returning to Barcelona, and also spoke about the upcoming World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I really want to go back there, we miss Barcelona a lot. My wife and I, the kids, are constantly talking about Barcelona and the idea of moving back. We have our house there, everything, so that’s what we want. I’m really looking forward to going back to the stadium when it’s finished because since I left for Paris, I haven’t been back to Camp Nou, and then they moved to Montjuïc.”

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Reflecting on returning to Camp Nou, where he made countless memories, Messi added: “It’s going to be strange going back to the new stadium and seeing it because the last time I saw it was a long time ago, and it’s going to be exciting to relive and remember everything that was, even though the stadium is different. I’m grateful for the constant affection and have nothing but thanks.”

The 38-year-old became emotional when recalling the day he left Barcelona professionally, a decision taken against his wishes. He said: “I was left with a strange feeling after leaving, because of how everything happened, because I ended up playing my last years without fans, because of the pandemic. After spending my whole life there, I didn’t leave the way I imagined, the way I dreamed.

“I imagined, as I said, playing my whole career in Europe, in Barcelona, and then, yes, coming here like I did, because that was my plan, what I wanted. And well, the farewell was a bit strange too, because of the situation, because of everything. But well, I think the fans’ affection will always be there, because of what I said, because of everything we’ve been through.”

On playing in the upcoming World Cup, he said: “Yes, obviously it is, it’s a special World Cup. It’s special to play with the national team, and especially considering what a World Cup means, and after having won it before. But, as I was saying, I don’t want to be a burden.

“I want to feel good physically, to be sure that I can help and contribute to the group, to the squad. We’ll see day by day if I really feel physically fit enough to be where I’d like to be and be able to participate. But obviously, I’m aware that it’s a World Cup, and it’s special, and that the World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So, I’m excited, but taking it one day at a time.”

Messi is currently back in Spain before joining the Argentina national team in Alicante ahead of Friday’s friendly against Angola in preparation for next summer’s World Cup.

During 17 years in Barça’s first team, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, winning 34 trophies, including 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns.

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