Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona – and he could face Cristiano Ronaldo! Plans revealed for anniversary match featuring Inter Miami superstar, CR7, David Beckham & Ronaldinho

The Argentine icon severed ties with the Blaugrana back in 2021 when leaving for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. He was heavily linked with a return to Catalunya when reaching the end of his contract in France, but opted to take on a new challenge in MLS with Inter Miami instead.

Barca have made no secret of the fact that they want to put a match in place that will allow Messi to say thank you and goodbye to a loyal fan base in style. Various plans have been mooted, with FootballTransfers now reporting that the “best tribute match ever” is being planned for November 29, 2024 – which will coincide with the club’s 125th anniversary.

It is claimed that a Lionel Messi Barca Legends XI will be pieced together, with invites expected to be handed out to the likes of David Villa, Ronaldinho, Cesc Fabregas, Rivaldo, Romario, Luis Enrique and ex-Brazil international Ronaldo.

A number of Real Madrid legends will also be asked to take part in the special fixture, with the hope being that Portuguese superstar Ronaldo will agree to feature if can be freed from obligations at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Sergio Ramos, Zinedine Zidane, Gareth Bale and David Beckham – Messi’s current boss as co-owner of Inter Miami – may also be sounded out.

Diego Simeone and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are among the others set to be asked to lace up a pair of boots once more, alongside Premier League legends Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres – with tickets for a stunning showpiece set to be priced at €250.