Lionel Messi is reportedly returning to Barcelona and could line up against Cristiano Ronaldo in an anniversary match at the Camp Nou.
The Argentine icon severed ties with the Blaugrana in 2021 by leaving the club for Paris Saint-Germain as a free player. He was strongly expected to return to Catalonia at the end of his contract in France, but he chose to take on a new challenge in MLS with Inter Miami.
Barca have never hidden the fact that they wanted to organize a match that would allow Messi to thank and say goodbye to his loyal supporters. Several projects were mentioned, and FootballTransfers reports today that the “best tribute match ever” is scheduled for November 29, 2024, which will coincide with the club’s 125th anniversary.
It is claimed that an XI of Barca legends Lionel Messi will be made, with invitations sent to players such as David Villa, Ronaldinho, Cesc Fabregas, Rivaldo, Romario, Luis Enrique and ex-Brazil international Ronaldo.
Several Real Madrid legends will also be invited to take part in this special match, with the hope that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will agree to play if he is released from his obligations to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. Sergio Ramos, Zinedine Zidane, Gareth Bale and David Beckham – Messi’s current boss as co-owner of Inter Miami – could also be called upon.
