Football icon Lionel Messi stunned Barcelona officials with an unauthorised nocturnal visit to the Camp Nou stadium, which the club discovered solely through his social media activity on Monday morning.
The Inter Miami forward arrived at the construction site around midnight on Sunday, gaining entry to the renovated ground without prior arrangement or notification to club management.
Barcelona executives expressed bewilderment upon viewing the Argentine's Instagram photographs, with reports revealing complete unawareness of his presence at their historic venue.
The 38-year-old striker, currently in Spain for international commitments with Argentina's squad, seized the opportunity to revisit his former home ground whilst the team prepares for an upcoming fixture in Angola.
Lionel Messi's social media post was seen by Barcelona officials in the morning
|The legendary forward posted several images alongside a poignant message declaring: "Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul."
His Instagram caption continued with an emotional revelation: "I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to…"
The photographs depicted Messi standing alone on the newly renovated pitch, capturing a solitary moment at the stadium where he became football's greatest goalscorer.
His unexpected appearance has reignited speculation about a potential return to the Catalan club, despite his recent contract extension with Inter Miami through to 2028.
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Lionel Messi made his visit to the Nou Camp late at night with Barcelona officials baffled over how he was allowed in
|Club authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding Messi's unauthorised access to the facility.
According to reports, security personnel from Limak, the construction company overseeing the stadium renovation, permitted Messi's entry after receiving his request.
The firm subsequently relayed this information to Barcelona officials, who granted approval for the visit.
However, representatives from Messi's entourage maintain that the player entered the premises without establishing contact with any club personnel.
Barcelona have since launched an investigation into how Messi gained access to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Despite the surprise nature of the visit, Barcelona responded warmly to their former talisman's presence.
Lionel Messi won the lot during his glittering spell at Barcelona | GETTYThe club shared one of Messi's photographs on their official channels with the message: "You're always welcome at your home Leo."
The stadium remains under extensive reconstruction, with the venue having hosted no matches since May 2023.
Friday marked a significant milestone when Barcelona conducted their inaugural training session at the refurbished ground, drawing over 20,000 supporters to witness the occasion.
Club president Joan Laporta had previously announced plans for a grand tribute to Messi at the completed stadium, though this ceremony isn't scheduled until late 2026.