Lionel Messi DESPERATE to return to Barcelona

Imre Himmelbauer

• Updated: 25 Feb 2025 03:46 CST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi is set to return to FC Barcelona, according to journalist Alex Candal of DIRECTV Sports.

According to the reporter, the Inter Miami forward will probably return to Catalunya next season. The Argentine's contract in the United States expires in December.

Messi has reportedly said he can't stop playing football until he's played at the new Camp Nou. Barcelona's stadium renovations are expected to be completed this summer, meaning the club will likely be able to play matches at the new stadium starting next season.

READ MORE: 2025 MLS season - Messi and Inter Miami face make-or-break campaign

Messi plans to play one final season in Europe before focusing on preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Argentina.

Although there is no official confirmation yet, the news has raised high expectations within the club. Barcelona's management is assessing whether the transfer is feasible, both financially and in terms of the impact on Hansi Flick's team.

The German already has two excellent wingers in Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, while Robert Lewandowski also performs well as a striker.

Messi at Barcelona

The now 37-year-old Messi played for Barcelona for a total of 21 years and won numerous prizes with the club. With the left-footer, Barça won the national championship ten times, the Champions League four times and the Club World Cup three times.

In total, the Argentine scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 matches. However, due to the club's financial situation, Barcelona were unable to extend his contract in the summer of 2021, which saw him leave for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

READ MORE: How many goals has Lionel Messi scored in his career?

At PSG, Messi never achieved the same fan-favourite status he had at Barcelona. In total, the attacker scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 games for the French giants.

In the summer of 2023, Messi signed with Inter Miami, which is owned by David Beckham, among others. At the MLS club, he plays alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets while now being coached by Javier Mascherano.