Following his move to Inter Miami, Messi has continued to excel in MLS. However, speculation about a potential return to Barcelona is growing. The timing of the reports suggests that a transfer may be realistic in the coming year. This possibility is likely to generate considerable excitement amongst fans.
Speculation is swirling around a potential sensational return of Lionel Messi to FC Barcelona ahead of the 2026-27 season. Messi’s departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 was an emotional moment for both the player and the club. The move to Paris Saint-Germain came after Barcelona‘s inability to structure a new contract for their all-time greatest player. Now, reports suggest a potential return, raising excitement amongst fans.
Following his emotional farewell, Messi spent the last year and a half playing for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he continued to break records and captivate audiences.
This marked his first foray into professional soccer outside Europe. However, for the first time since moving to the U.S., rumors of a potential return to Barcelona are gaining traction. The timing of the reports, from TNT Sports, suggests that a transfer may be feasible. The club’s reported intention to make a move in the near future highlights the club’s determination in making this transfer happen.
Barcelona’s proposed plan to re-sign Messi
According to reports, FC Barcelona is “slowly preparing” a deal to bring Messi back to Spain. The proposed contract is expected to include numerous conditions, which suggests that a great deal of negotiation is expected.
The club has reportedly set its sights on the summer of 2026, just after the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, as the ideal time for Messi’s return. This timing would coincide with the start of the La Liga season and would see Messi at the age of 39. The club’s reported plans indicate that they are considering a range of options to enable Messi’s return to the team.
Before joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi had expressed a strong desire to return to Barcelona, but a deal couldn’t be reached at that time. Messi stated that he didn’t wish to be involved in any restructuring that would require player sales or salary reductions.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties persist, with the club having recently sought government assistance to temporarily register new players. The club’s financial limitations have hampered their ability to compete with other top clubs in the past.
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of 2025, but the club is confident in retaining their star player. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas stated his expectation that Messi would be back with the club in 2026, for their new stadium’s opening and the start of the new season.
