Barcelona want Lionel Messi BACK for new Camp Nou inauguration with preparations for sensational homecoming transfer set to begin

Barcelona are reportedly aiming to bring club legend Lionel Messi back to the club in a sensational transfer coinciding with the Camp Nou re-opening.

• Barcelona hope to bring Messi back
• Want him back for new Camp Nou opening
• Aim to conclude deal after 2026 World Cup

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 37-year-old has continued to dazzle for club and country since his 2021 exit from Barcelona in a free transfer, which came about because the Spanish giants could not afford to sign him to a new contract. Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 before moving to MLS to play a key role in the growth of American soccer at Inter Miami.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

However, TNT Sports reports the Catalan club remain determined to bring the Argentine icon back, and are ready to 'slowly prepare' for a deal to be concluded after the 2026 World Cup, which would coincide with Barca's return to the Camp Nou.

DID YOU KNOW?

The new and improved Spotify Camp Nou remains under construction, with Hansi Flick's team currently playing home games at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys, and the renovations are expected to finish in the summer of 2026. Barca are reportedly aware that bringing back Messi, who won 10 La Liga and four Champions League titles with the club, will be a tough task but plans for his homecoming are about to be set in motion.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

With a potential move back to Barca a long way off, Messi's mind will be on getting fit for Inter Miami's upcoming MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner withdrew from the Argentina squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil.