Lionel Messi made an unannounced visit to Camp Nou on Sunday night, his first since departing FC Barcelona. The visit came after he led Inter Miami to victory against Nashville in the MLS Playoffs.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s return to the stadium marked an emotional homecoming. Messi has previously expressed his disappointment about leaving Barcelona due to the club’s financial difficulties.The Argentine superstar, who spent more than 20 years at Barcelona, shared his feelings on social media after the visit.He wrote, “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…”Barcelona have recently allowed its senior team to train at Camp Nou while renovation work continues. The club expects to resume home matches at the venue later this season.Messi left Barcelona in 2021 when financial problems prevented the club from renewing his contract. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain before achieving his World Cup dream with Argentina in 2022.The football icon has now reached a new milestone with his 400th career assist. This achievement came during Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Nashville in the MLS Cup playoffs.During the match, Messi scored twice and provided two assists for teammate Tadeo Allende. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute and added another goal in the 39th minute before setting up two more goals in the second half.“I want to congratulate Leo for the game he played,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy. We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive.”The legendary player currently plays for Inter Miami after concluding his European club career. His move to the MLS team followed his successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain.Messi’s connection with Barcelona remains strong despite his departure. His impromptu visit to Camp Nou demonstrates the lasting bond he maintains with the club where his professional journey began.
