After an incognito visit to the Spotify Camp Nou, the Argentine admits that his painful departure from the club still weighs heavily on him.
Reunion with Camp Nou
Yesterday, Leo Messi went viral on social media after posting a picture of himself on the pitch at the new Spotify Camp Nou. The visit took place at night and without any prior announcement. The best player in Barcelona’s history was finally back where he was happiest. In a subsequent interview with the newspaper ‘SPORT’, Messi reflects on his abrupt departure from the club and also talks about the next World Cup.
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On the Farewell from Barcelona
“I had a strange feeling after I left, because of the way everything happened. Because of how my final years ended up being played without fans due to the pandemic. After the whole life I had there, I didn’t leave the club the way I had imagined, the way I had dreamed. I had envisioned playing my entire career in Europe, for Barcelona, and then moving to Miami – which I did, because that was my plan, what I wanted. The farewell also became a bit strange because of the situation, because of everything that happened. But the people’s love will always be there, because of everything we experienced together.”
On the Happiest Moment at Barça
“It’s difficult to choose just one. Thanks to God, I was lucky enough to experience many. Usually, when we talk about happiness, we think of titles, achievements, and the important things we accomplished. But the first sextuple with Guardiola was extraordinary, and the last Champions League win with Luis Enrique was too. It’s hard to pick a single moment.”
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On His Time at PSG
“It’s portrayed as if Paris was hell, but that wasn’t the case either. When I say I wasn’t doing well, it’s because I didn’t feel comfortable with the football, the daily routine, the training, and the matches. But the truth is, we had a very good experience as a family. The city is fantastic, and we enjoyed it. It was the first time we left Barcelona, everything was new for us, and that’s also why it was very difficult.”
On Thoughts About Retirement
“I’m happy with how these years have gone, and as long as I can and feel good physically, I will continue in the same way – trying to compete, win, and always give my best. When the day comes that I feel physically weak, that it becomes difficult on the pitch, or that I no longer enjoy it, then it will be time to retire. But today, I’m enjoying it, I feel good, and that’s what counts.”
On the Farewell to Busquets and Alba
“It was very strange, especially Jordi Alba’s situation, because we didn’t expect it. With Busi, we had talked about it more beforehand, but with Jordi, it happened from one day to the next. He took us aside in the dressing room and told us he was going to announce his departure, without us having discussed it before. It came as a shock to us. It’s a shame, because beyond what we achieved on the pitch, we are also friends.”
On the 2026 World Cup Challenge
“Of course! This is a special World Cup. It’s always special to play for the national team, and even more so in official tournaments – especially after having won it. But as I said: I don’t want to be a ‘burden’ on the team. I need to feel good physically to be sure I can contribute. Our season in the USA is different from in Europe. We will have a pre-season and some matches before the World Cup, so I’m taking it day by day to ensure I am in the shape I want to be in. But I am, of course, aware that a World Cup is the biggest thing there is in terms of competition. I’m looking forward to it and taking it one step at a time.”
Return to Barcelona?
“I really want to go back. We miss Barcelona a lot. My children and my wife constantly talk about the city and the idea of living there again. We have our house and everything there, so that’s what we want. I’m really looking forward to returning to the stadium when it’s finished.”
Messi asked Limak employees for permission to enter the Spotify Camp Nou during his private visit.
Career Highlights of Lionel Messi
- FC Barcelona (2004-2021):
- Club Appearances: 778 games
- Club Goals: 672 goals
- Titles: 35 trophies, including:
- 10 La Liga titles
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles
- 7 Copa del Rey titles
- Individual Accolades: A record 8 Ballon d’Or awards and 6 European Golden Shoes won during his tenure.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023):
- Won 2 Ligue 1 titles and 1 Trophée des Champions.
- Argentinian National Team:
- Copa América 2021: Led Argentina to their first major international title in 28 years.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: Captained Argentina to victory, scoring 7 goals and being awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.
- Finalissima 2022: Won the trophy against Italy at Wembley.
- Inter Miami CF (2023-Present):
- Won the Leagues Cup in his first season with the club.
