Barcelona are reportedly planning to bring legend Lionel Messi back in a sensational deal to coincide with the reopening of the Camp Nou.

The 37-year-old has continued to shine for both club and country since leaving Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021, a decision that stemmed from the Catalan giants’ inability to renew his contract. Messi then led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup before moving to MLS, playing a key role in the development of American football at Inter Miami.

However, according to TNT Sports, Barcelona is still determined to bring the Argentine icon back and is “step by step preparing” for a deal that could be completed after the 2026 World Cup – the same time as the team’s return to Camp Nou.

The Camp Nou, with its new look, is still undergoing renovations, while Hansi Flick and his team will temporarily play at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys. The renovations are expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Although Barcelona are well aware that bringing Messi back will be no easy task, they have already begun planning for the day of his return.

Although the prospect of returning to Camp Nou is still quite far away, Messi will focus on recovering his fitness to join Inter Miami to face Philadelphia Union in MLS. Previously, the owner of 8 Golden Balls was forced to withdraw from the Argentina team for the World Cup qualifying series against Uruguay and Brazil.

Lionel Messi has been with Barcelona since 2000, joining the La Masia academy. He made his first-team debut in 2004 and quickly became a mainstay.

During his 17 years at Barca (2004-2021), Messi scored 672 goals in 778 matches, becoming the club’s greatest scorer in history. He won 10 La Liga, 7 Copa del Rey, 4 Champions League and many other titles. Messi also won 6 Ballon d’Or while playing for Barca. In 2021, due to financial problems, he left the club and joined PSG, ending a glorious era.