Lionel Messi has opened up about his deep desire to return to FC Barcelona and for his family to live once again in the Catalan capital. In a recent interview, the Argentine icon spoke with great emotion about his connection to the club and the city.
“I really want to go back to Barcelona. We miss Barcelona a lot. The kids, my wife and I are always talking about Barcelona, the idea of living there again.”
Messi, who spent more than two decades at Barcelona before leaving in 2021, has maintained strong ties to the club and city that shaped the majority of his career. While currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, he described Barcelona not only as a former workplace but as home for him and his family.
In his remarks, he drew attention to his life off the pitch, observing that his younger children continue to talk about Barcelona and the idea of returning. He emphasised the emotional weight of the city and the club: the memories of triumphs, the sense of belonging, and his hope for future chapters in Catalonia.
The comments come at a time when Messi recently visited Barcelona and the newly renovated Camp Nou. He described his return as a deeply moving experience and said he was eagerly anticipating further visits. While he has reiterated his commitment to his current club, it is clear that the possibility of returning to Barcelona remains in his heart.
From the sporting side, Barcelona fans have long fantasised about a sentimental homecoming — whether as a player, ambassador, or in some other role. Messi’s words add fuel to that dream by publicly confirming the emotional pull Barcelona still exerts on him.
At the same time, he maintained a realistic outlook: his primary focus is on his present challenges and ensuring he can perform at the highest level while suitably managing family life. Nevertheless, the message to Barcelona’s supporters could not be clearer: the ties remain strong, and the idea of returning — in more than just thought — is very much alive.
For now, Barcelona may simply take solace in knowing that one of their greatest ever players continues to hold them close in his thoughts — and possibly, one day, in his legs again.
