Lionel Messi recently generated buzz after he made a surprise visit to Barcelona's revamped stadium, Spotify Camp Nou, on November 9. The shocking visit, sparked rumors about the Argentine icon's possible return to the club.
Hansi Flick opens up on coaching Lionel Messi
In the pre-game press conference of Barca's La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao, Hansi Flick was questioned if he would like to coach Lionel Messi.
“Why not? Messi is the best player of the last ten years. I’ve always enjoyed watching him play football, and he’d be perfect for any team. But his contract ends in 2028 and mine in 2027. So it’s not a question,” Flick said.
While Messi's visit has raised the hopes of Barca fans, club president Joan Laporta dismissed the return of their legend, saying as quoted by Fabrizio Romano:
“Leo Messi’s return as a player is something just not realistic. As of now, he has a contract with Inter Miami. The club is building a project for the present and future. It's complicated, and if you live in the past, you hardly move forward”.
Lionel Messi's forced departure from Barcelona
Lionel Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in the summer for 2021 as a free agent because of the club's financial condition.
Lionel Messi wanted to spend his entire career at FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi was awarded the 'most beloved player in Barcelona history' at the Values Gala organised by Sport on Wednesday, November 19. After getting the award, Messi said he had hoped to spend his entire career at Barcelona.
“I would have liked to spend my entire career at Barça without having to go to another club. Unfortunately, things turned out differently, but I'm very grateful for this award,” he told Joan Vehils, director of Sport.
Messi came through the ranks at Barcelona and won every single championship with the club during the 17 years he played.