Messi’s Journey: From Barcelona to Inter Miami and Beyond

Lionel Messi was visibly emotional as he bid farewell to Barcelona, realizing that financial constraints rendered a contract extension impossible. Upon reaching free agency, he embraced a new challenge with Paris Saint-Germain.

At PSG, he collected additional major honors alongside teammates Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, settling in Paris proved difficult for the Messi family, including his wife Antonela and their three sons. Consequently, in 2023, they pursued the American dream when David Beckham and Inter Miami extended an invitation.

Messi has since added to his record-breaking collection of Ballon d’Or awards, now totaling eight, following his triumph as a World Cup winner. He has accumulated 46 major trophies, solidifying his status as the most decorated player in history, with a couple of those championships—the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield—secured in the United States.

While he enjoys life in South Florida, there has been speculation about a potential return to Barcelona. Although it seems unlikely he will return as a player, having signed a new contract in Miami, there may be opportunities for a directorial or ambassadorial role in the future. Currently, he has relished visiting the refurbished venue where he once shone.

In an emotional Instagram post, Messi reflected on his return to the field, expressing, “Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to…”

Inter Miami has committed to facilitating a farewell appearance for Messi in Catalonia. Club president Jorge Mas emphasized, “Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not to his liking; he could not say goodbye to his club that welcomed him as a child. I have promised to do everything possible in the coming years to provide him the opportunity to bid farewell to his fans in Barcelona. Inter Miami will either visit or organize a match.”

While a friendly match could be arranged, Barcelona has also considered inviting their prodigal son back for an exhibition to celebrate the grand reopening of Camp Nou. Although scheduling issues had previously posed a challenge, the venue is still not ready to welcome fans back. Consequently, Messi may reach the end of the 2025 MLS campaign before making any European return.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who has hinted at the possibility of Messi’s return in a playing capacity, has consistently stated that the Blaugrana aim to organize a match worthy of Messi’s legacy. He recently remarked, “What we hope is that he can be given the great tribute he deserves.”

Messi is currently contracted with Inter Miami until 2028, extending beyond his 40th birthday. He is also set to play in a new stadium, with the Herons constructing a purpose-built ground anticipated to open at the start of the 2026 campaign.

Javier Mascherano’s team hopes to defend their MLS Cup title as Messi’s magic keeps them in contention for playoff success this season, with the Argentine star having scored 42 goals as they prepare for the Conference semi-finals, following a brief visit to Barcelona before focusing on their match against Cincinnati.