Barcelona Confirms Lionel Messi’s Comeback and Farewell Match Venue

• Barcelona are planning a farewell match for club legend Lionel Messi
• Messi departed the Catalan club in 2021 amid the financial struggles
• The Argentine superstar won four UCL titles in 17 years at Barcelona

Barcelona’s hierarchy has confirmed the Catalan club will organise a farewell game for Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s infamous departure in 2021.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner gave a goodbye speech in tears in front of his family, club officials, and teammates when he left to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Messi received no proper farewell game.

That is set to change, according to FORBES, which quoted Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco as confirming Messi will get a match to honour his legacy at Camp Nou once the stadium is fully renovated.

"[Messi]He will always be the biggest idol in the club's history. The club had great idols, like [Johan] Cruyff, Ronaldo [Nazario] - but he is perhaps the greatest of them all.

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"He will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when that will be, we don't know. He's playing and hopefully, he'll play for more years, because people who like football, who like him, will be happy to see him happy."

Messi won a club-record 34 trophies at Barcelona, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and the UEFA Champions League four times in his 17-year stint.

Messi will not rejoin Barcelona

Meanwhile, Messi has confirmed he will not be leaving Inter Miami to rejoin his former club, Barcelona on loan during the winter transfer window despite being available, 90MIN reports.

Following the Herons' failure to qualify for the MLS Playoffs, rumours have suggested the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could team up with the Catalans during the post-season break.

However, Messi has come out to debunk those suggestions after he stated he planned on enjoying his break by spending time with his family and will not be returning to Barcelona.

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Messi set for eighth Ballon d’Or

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Messi set for his eighth Ballon d'Or later this month after the male and female award winners for 2023 were 'leaked'.

The 36-year-old maestro achieved the pinnacle of his illustrious career by leading Argentina to a spectacular FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar last year.

Subsequently, Messi made a significant impact upon joining Inter Miami in July, captivating the MLS team with a series of superstar performances.