La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly plotting a sensational move to re-sign eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
The Argentine icon was forced to leave Camp Nou in the summer of 2021 after 17 memorable years at the club, as cash-strapped Barca could not afford to extend his contract due to "financial and structural obstacles".
Messi went onto spend two 'unenjoyable' seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before opting to leave Europe and join Florida-based MLS outfit Inter Miami in July 2023 on a free transfer.
At the age of 37, Messi has made a significant impression in the United States, scoring 38 goals and registering 20 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024, and his impact last season was recognised with the 2024 MLS MVP award.
© Imago
Barcelona planning to sign Messi after 2026 World Cup?
The legendary attacker has since made a bright start to the 2025 campaign, contributing to six goals (four goals, two assists) in his opening five appearances across MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Messi has captured the hearts of the American soccer fans, but the attacker is believed to be facing an uncertain future at Inter Miami as he is due to see his current contract expire at the end of this year.
A remarkable reunion with Barcelona has been mooted, and according to journalist Maximiliano Grillo on TNT Sports, the Catalan giants want to 'slowly prepare' for his return.
Grillo claims that Barcelona intend to re-sign Messi after the 2026 World Cup in the United States where he is due to represent reigning world champions Argentina for what many would expect to be his final major tournament at international level.
Barca's 'main motivation' is to lure Messi back to the club in time for the inauguration of the new Camp Nou, which is still under construction.
As things stand, Barcelona plan to re-open Camp Nou with a limited capacity later this year, but the renovations are anticipated to be fully completed ahead of the 2026-27 season when Hansi Flick's side hope to announce the arrival of Messi, who would be 39 years old by then.
© Imago
How realistic is a return to Barcelona for Messi?
Barcelona were struggling financially before they parted ways with Messi and they are still having difficulty balancing their books, which is impacting the club's ability to sign many of their desired targets.
Grillo claims that a potential return to Barcelona for Messi 'would not be an easy task', and while the player would have 'a number of conditions' attached to this transfer, Barca are 'preparing a manoeuvre' that would help the Argentine consider a return to the club.
This comes after journalist Guillem Balague recently claimed that Messi has 'no intention' of re-joining Barca and a return is 'impossible' while Joan Laporta remains club president due to the breakdown in relationship between the pair.
Messi recently acknowledged that he is enjoying life in Miami and is in 'no rush' to make a decision on his club future.
Oliver Thomas
