The story of Lionel Messi with FC Barcelona didn’t end as anticipated. Despite enduring a magical career with the Catalans for over 15 years, the legendary player couldn’t leave on a pleasant note. To this day, everyone expects his return to Camp Nou so the fanbase can give their icon a proper farewell. It seems his return is set to finally happen, as Barcelona’s centenary games may host Lionel Messi and his national Argentina!

Meanwhile, life after leaving Barcelona has been quite a roller-coaster ride for Messi. Aside from winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, La Pulga also lifted his record eighth Ballon d’Or.

FC Barcelona to host Lionel Messi and Argentina for a special ocassion

Following an exit from PSG, Lionel Messi was linked with a return to Barcelona. Sadly for Blaugrana, that didn’t happen as he moved to Inter Miami. While fans still hope to see him back in Catalonia someday, it seems their dreams are about to get fulfilled after all. Interestingly, Messi is set to return to Camp Nou. However, there’s a catch, as he’ll be returning as an opponent.

As per recent reports, the Catalans will be hosting their traditional centenary game in order to celebrate the club’s 125th-anniversary celebrations in the upcoming year 2024. Hence, for the occasion, the club will be hosting Argentina at the Spotify Camp Nou. This would mark an opportunity for fans to witness and experience Messi’s return to the promised land.

Indeed, it is quite joyful news for all the Barcelona fans. Certainly, they will be looking forward to having their idol back and finally giving him the reception he deserves. Earlier, President Joan Laporta had also expressed his desire to have Messi back in Spain for an apt tribute at the Camp Nou. Perhaps this might be the chance for them to do it.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙉𝙤𝙪.

𝙁𝘾 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 2022 𝘼𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙉𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚…

— fcbarcelonacollection.com (@memorabilia1899) November 8, 2023

Additionally, if the game is organized, it will be the first time Messi will be playing against his former side. Nevertheless, let’s see what developments occur at this stage. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at their previous centenary game.

All about the previous centenary game

Barcelona’s first centenary game was played on April 28, 1999. The Catalans faced Brazil XI at Camp Nou in front of 80,000 fans. Barcelona had the likes of Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, and Patrick Kluivert. On the other hand, Brazil’s golden generation had Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Romario, and Ronaldo Nazario.

In the thrilling contest, the final whistle blew with a 2-2 draw, as Enrique and Cocu notched goals for Barca, while Ronaldo and Rivaldo scored for Brazil. Perhaps we can expect some goals and galore in the upcoming centenary games.

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