Four years after departing the club he spent over two decades with, Lionel Messi is now at the center of renewed speculation about a possible return to Barcelona. In 2021, Messi made headlines when he left Camp Nou for Paris Saint-Germain due to financial constraints. Ranked as one of the greatest players in football history, Messi has since joined Inter Miami. Now, journalist Alex Candal claims that Messi wishes to return to Europe, expressing a desire not to end his career without playing at the new Camp Nou. This news reignites the hope and anticipation surrounding a potential reunion between Messi and his former club.

The Journey Away from Barcelona

Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 marked a significant turning point in both his career and the club's history. Financial difficulties prevented Barça from retaining their star player, leading to an unexpected move to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being ranked among the top players ever, Messi's time in France was relatively short-lived before he transitioned to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Throughout this period, rumors of a possible return to Barcelona have persisted, fueled by the emotional connection Messi holds with the Catalan club.

Since leaving Barcelona, Messi has continued to dominate the football world. His move to PSG was initially seen as a shock, but it paved the way for another chapter in his illustrious career. The Argentine icon's subsequent transfer to Inter Miami further demonstrated his global appeal. Yet, the allure of returning to Barcelona remains strong. Fans and media alike have speculated on the possibility of Messi rejoining the club where he achieved so much. This emotional attachment to Barça makes any hint of a comeback highly anticipated.

The Possibility of a Grand Reunion

Alex Candal's recent revelation adds credibility to the notion of Messi's return to Barcelona. According to Candal, Messi expressed a desire to play at the renovated Camp Nou before concluding his career. While such stories are common, Candal's track record, having accurately reported Messi's move from PSG to Miami, lends weight to this claim. With Messi's contract set to expire at the end of the year, the timing could be right for a potential homecoming.

However, several challenges remain. Barcelona's ongoing financial struggles could complicate efforts to bring Messi back. Registering new players has been a recent issue for the club, and re-signing a high-profile athlete like Messi would require substantial changes. Even if a deal materializes, some speculate that it might only be for a friendly match rather than a full season. Regardless, the prospect of Messi returning to Barcelona continues to captivate fans and fuel discussions within the football community.