Hansi Flick Discusses Lionel Messi and Barcelona’s Future

Hansi Flick on Lionel Messi: Praising a Barcelona Legend

Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s current manager, has reignited discussion around Lionel Messi’s legacy and a potential return to Camp Nou. Flick, who succeeded in guiding Barcelona to the La Liga title during the 2024–25 season and a Champions League semi-final, was recently asked about Messi amid swirling rumors following the Argentine’s visit to Camp Nou. Flick responded with his trademark wit, reminding the press that Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028, while his own Barcelona contract concludes in 2027. “It’s not up to me to train him,” Flick joked, but he was quick to emphasize his admiration: “Messi is the best football player of the last ten years, if not more. I have always enjoyed watching him play, he is fantastic, what he has done is incredible.”

Lionel Messi and Barcelona: An Unbreakable Bond

No conversation about Barcelona’s modern history is complete without Lionel Messi. From his La Masia beginnings in 2004, Messi’s journey to global superstardom is football folklore. Under Pep Guardiola, Messi redefined the “false nine” role, orchestrating Barcelona’s most dominant era. Over 17 seasons at Camp Nou, Messi helped the club secure 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, winning seven Ballon d’Or awards during his illustrious tenure.

When financial turmoil hit the Catalan club in 2021, Messi’s emotional departure saw him join Paris Saint-Germain before making a landmark move to Inter Miami in 2023. Despite his move to MLS, Messi’s connection to Barcelona remains unbroken. His recent social media post, featuring a snapshot at Camp Nou and a heartfelt message, reignited hope among fans: “I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to.”

Flick Addresses Messi Return and Barcelona’s Injury Challenges

The timing of Messi’s Camp Nou visit has fueled speculation over a potential January loan to Barcelona during MLS’s off-season—a move that could keep Messi match-fit ahead of the World Cup. But Flick remains pragmatic: “Messi’s contract ends in 2028, mine in 2027… it’s not my decision.” Despite the longing of fans and the media, Flick’s comments underline the complexities involved in any possible Messi return.

Meanwhile, Flick faces pressing challenges on the pitch. Following last season’s successes, Barcelona’s current campaign started shakily. The team trails Real Madrid by three points in La Liga and endured a painful 2-1 defeat in El Clasico. Their Champions League campaign has also stumbled, with the club languishing in 11th place. Key injuries—to stars like Pedri and Marcus Rashford—have hindered progress, though the recent return of Raphinha and Joan Garcia offers hope.

Flick remains optimistic: “Perhaps right now we lack the confidence we should normally have and need. But now some players are coming back, and that will help us a lot. We have a fantastic squad, and if we play at the high level we did in Vigo, everything will be fine.”

Camp Nou Reopens: A Symbolic Moment for Barcelona

Barcelona’s homecoming to Camp Nou after nearly three years marks a significant chapter. Stadium renovations, regulatory hurdles, and logistical challenges forced the team to play at temporary venues, disrupting their rhythm and connection to fans. Now, with over 45,000 seats available amidst ongoing construction, the return to Camp Nou is not just a logistical reset—it’s an emotional and symbolic one.

Flick and the squad aim to leverage this renewed home advantage as they welcome Athletic Bilbao. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, both for a fresh start and for the possibility—however slim—of witnessing Messi wear the Barcelona jersey once more.

Opinion: A Messi Return Would Be a Fitting Farewell

A return for Lionel Messi to Barcelona, even if brief, would offer both the player and the fans a sense of closure that his sudden 2021 departure never allowed. While Hansi Flick is right to downplay immediate prospects, the romance of football means speculation will always linger. Whether or not Messi plays for Barcelona again, his influence endures—fueling dreams and setting standards for generations. For more news on Barcelona, Messi, and world football, visit for more news.