When will Lionel Messi return to Barcelona? Two dates lined up for Inter Miami superstar’s emotional Camp Nou homecoming

The Argentine icon departed Camp Nou back in 2021 when leaving for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, with the Blaugrana unable to fund a new contract at that stage. Messi never wanted to move on, but was left with no choice as he embarked on a frustrating two-year adventure in French football.

A retracing of steps to Catalunya was speculated on in 2023, with Barca opening their doors, but Messi opted to chase the American dream when linking up with Inter Miami – the MLS franchise co-owned by David Beckham.

Messi will, however, return to Barca for a friendly or exhibition match, with SPORT reporting Laporta to have said when quizzed on when such a contest could happen: “It would be fantastic if Messi could be present at the Camp Nou’s premiere. It has been discussed, and if it were in June 2026, it would be when the Spotify Camp Nou is finished. We will be returning in November 2024, and that could also be an important date. Let’s see. We would like it, and I hope it can happen.”

A loan deal in the next January transfer window has been ruled out, with Messi ready to play a part in pre-season preparations at Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign.