Lionel Messi returned to Camp Nou for the first time since leaving Barcelona in 2021, posting emotional photos on Instagram after arriving in the middle of the night. The visit, en route to join Argentina's national team, highlighted ongoing affection between Messi and his former club despite reports of no prior permission. Barcelona welcomed him publicly, while president Joan Laporta expressed interest in a future tribute.
Lionel Messi, Barcelona's all-time leading scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances, made an unexpected visit to Camp Nou overnight on November 10, 2025. The 38-year-old Argentine arrived shortly after starring in Inter Miami's 4-0 MLS playoff victory over Nashville, where he scored twice and provided two assists, marking his 41st and 42nd goals of the season. This propelled Miami to the Eastern Conference semifinals against FC Cincinnati for the first time.
Messi was in Barcelona en route to Alicante to prepare with Argentina for a friendly against Angola in Luanda on Friday. Around midnight local time, he entered the stadium, which is under reconstruction and not expected to be completed until late 2026. Photos shared on his Instagram captured the emotional moment, with Messi writing: “Last night I returned to a place that I miss with all my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do…”
Barcelona confirmed the visit two hours after the post, stating security firm Limak contacted the club after Messi requested entry. However, reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate Messi's camp claims no permission was sought or granted, adding mystery to how he accessed the site. The club responded warmly on X: “You’re always welcome at your home, Leo.”
Messi's departure in 2021, amid Barcelona's financial issues, denied him a proper send-off after winning 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and seven Copas del Rey. He spent two years at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023. President Joan Laporta, whose decisions contributed to the exit, now seeks reconciliation. Speaking at a recent event, Laporta said: “Of course, I would love that. It would be a beautiful way to express our gratitude and recognition. Once the stadium reaches its new capacity, we can organise the tribute he and the club truly deserve. It would be a great way to open the stadium [when it’s completely finished], with 105,000 packed in and paying tribute to Leo.”