“Let’s talk about it” - Inter Miami chief on what needs to be done for Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona for first game at revamped Camp Nou

Inter Miami chief Xavier Asensi has left the door open for Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona for the first match at the revamped Camp Nou stadium. Asensi said the decision would depend on when the new stadium is up and ready.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Asensi did not rule out a friendly game between Inter Miami and Barcelona. When asked about it and the possibility of the Argentine returning to Camp Nou for the first match after renovation, he said:

"It's a matter of timing. The 2020 match was part of the tour that we were able to prepare. Since we played in the Leagues Cup, we don't have the visibility of the possibility of playing a friendly. In January or December we can't know if it will fit into the calendar. It depends on when it is... Let's talk about it."

Inter Miami have four former Barcelona stars in the squad this season. Lionel Messi was the first to join, with Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez joining them later.

Barcelona president open to welcoming back Lionel Messi

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that he wants Lionel Messi to play in the first match at the renovated Camp Nou. He said via ESPN:

"It would be fantastic if Messi could be at the opening match at Camp Nou. It's been talked about and if it was in June 2026, that would be when the Spotify Camp Nou is finished. We'll be back in November 2024 and it could be an important date too. Let's see. We would like and hope that it can be done."

He added:

"We proposed that he come back for the beginning of this season. He told us what he thought, he made a decision: [that] he didn't want to the pressure of Paris for another year and that he preferred to go to Inter Miami. We appreciate him very much and told him that we would pay tribute to him."

Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2022 and moved to Inter Miami despite interest from Barcelona and Saudi Pro League sides.