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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>All-time great left Camp Nou in 2021</li><li>Opted against return when leaving PSG</li><li>Reunion is planned in next couple of years</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

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

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The Argentine icon departed Camp Nou back in 2021 when leaving for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, with the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/barcelona-hoped-messi-would-play-for-free-as-laporta-discusses-contract-talks-and-koemans-future/inc285ai0xr21cwyyb1uwxwzu" target="_blank">Blaugrana unable to fund a new contract</a> at that stage. Messi never wanted to move on, but was left with no choice as he embarked on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-experienced-hell-lionel-messi-psg-failing-make-history-france/blt4f8f102bcb47e63b" target="_blank">a frustrating two-year adventure in French football</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A retracing of steps to Catalunya was speculated on in 2023, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lionel-messi-love-return-barcelona-reunion-argentine-father-joan-laporta-talks/blted3e0be7ba7ad4b7 " target="_blank">Barca opening their doors</a>, but Messi opted to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/secret-meetings-10-year-project-how-david-beckham-signed-lionel-messi-inter-miami-co-owner/bltcc28a521e2bdff22 " target="_blank">chase the American dream when linking up with Inter Miami</a> – the MLS franchise co-owned by David Beckham.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi will, however, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/date-set-lionel-messi-return-barcelona-transfer-snub-joan-laporta-explains-inter-miami/bltdb6abbe5637313fb" target="_blank">return to Barca for a friendly or exhibition match</a>, with <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/fechas-clave-futuro-homenaje-leo-93523723 " target="_blank">SPORT</a> 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.”

WHAT THEY SAID

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.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

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

Lionel Messi will be back at Barcelona at some stage, with Joan Laporta proposing two possible dates for an emotional return to a spiritual home.