Lionel Messi is one of the best soccer players in the history of FC Barcelona, a player loved by the fans, who left a void in 2021 when he decided to leave the Spanish team to play in the French league with PSG. His recent visit to the Camp Nou and his message on social networks made fans dream of a possible return to LaLiga.

However, the situation is more complicated than it seems. Messi has recently renewed his contract with MLS side Inter Miami and although his affection for Barcelona is very great, it seems that he will not wear the Blaugrana shirt again. The Argentine left this message after his visit to what was his home for many years:

Last night I went back to a place that I miss with all my heart, a place where I was immensely happy. You made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world

Lionel Messi

Will Lionel Messi return to Barcelona? This is his relationship with the team

Lionel Messi's departure in 2021 left wounds that are difficult to heal in the fans, who despite having great players, still seem to have a special connection with the Argentine, who won absolutely everything with Barcelona. In addition, there are off-field issues such as the relationship with Joan Laporta, as Jordi Mestre, former president of Barca, has spoken about it, expressing that there is still discomfort:

I am aware from third parties that Lionel Messi and his family are very, very, very angry with Laporta

Jordi Mestre

In addition, the president has stated that the relationship was fractured, but little by little it has been recovering:

When we didn't renew the contract, the relationship got a little bit damaged. But afterwards we more or less recovered it

Joan Laporta

His visit to the Camp Nou not only revived the fans' hopes, but also generated debate about whether Lionel Messi would fit into the current team system, led by Hansi Flick.

Where would Lionel Messi play in Hansi Flick's Barcelona? Tactical analysis of a dream return

From a footballing point of view, the debate centres on how Lionel Messi would fit into Hansi Flick's system. According to Jaime Rincon, the Blaugrana attack could have different variants, assuming the role of 'false nine' where he would exploit his skills of touch, reading of the game and vision with fast wingers such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha or Ferran Torres, being a more mobile attack.

The second option would be to see him as a "classic playmaker", playing behind the striker, being the link between midfield and attack, which would allow him to focus on creating, assisting and deciding matches. While it is true that a player of his characteristics could fit into any team in Europe, his recent signing with Miami makes it seem impossible for him to end his career with Barcelona.

In addition, the Argentine is now focused on MLS with the conference semifinals coming up and also preparing for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where the Argentine has yet to confirm whether he will be present to defend his crown won at Qatar 2022.