In a stunning development that has electrified the football world, Lionel Messi is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to Barcelona. According to multiple reports from Spain and the United States, the Argentine superstar has already completed three crucial procedures to formalize his comeback, marking what could be one of the most emotional reunions in modern football history.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly flew directly to Miami earlier this week to oversee the final details of the deal personally. The meeting between Laporta and Messi’s representatives lasted several hours, during which both sides discussed financial arrangements, image rights, and the symbolic aspects of Messi’s return to the club that defined his career. Sources close to the negotiation revealed that an agreement is “99% complete.”

Messi’s decision to return to Barcelona comes after nearly two years in the United States with Inter Miami, where he helped transform Major League Soccer’s popularity and guided the club to its first-ever trophy. Despite his success in America, Messi has repeatedly spoken about his deep emotional bond with Barcelona, describing the club as his “eternal home.”

However, what has truly caught everyone by surprise is Messi’s latest special request. According to insider leaks, the Argentine legend has asked Barcelona to integrate several young academy players into the first team, emphasizing his desire to help nurture the next generation of Catalan talent. Among the names mentioned are Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Guiu, three rising stars Messi believes could carry the torch of the club’s legacy.

“He doesn’t just want to play; he wants to build something lasting,” a source close to the negotiations told El Mundo Deportivo. “Messi believes that Barcelona’s future depends on restoring the connection between La Masia and the first team, and he wants to be part of that process.”

Laporta is said to have welcomed Messi’s vision enthusiastically, viewing it as a perfect way to strengthen the club’s long-term project while celebrating the return of its greatest icon. The president’s trip to Miami was reportedly “emotional,” as both men reminisced about past triumphs, including the unforgettable 2009 and 2011 Champions League victories under Pep Guardiola.

Still, there are challenges ahead. Financial fair play regulations remain a key obstacle for Barcelona, and the club must carefully manage wage structures to ensure Messi’s return complies with La Liga’s salary cap. Laporta and sporting director Deco are believed to be preparing a special contract structure that balances both the club’s finances and Messi’s status as a global ambassador.

If finalized, Messi’s comeback could take place as early as January 2026, with a grand unveiling event already being planned at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The ceremony, insiders claim, would rival his original 2000 debut, symbolizing the closing of one era and the dawn of another.

Fans around the world have erupted with excitement on social media, with hashtags like #MessiReturns and #WelcomeHomeLeo trending within hours of the news breaking. Former teammates, including Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué, have also publicly expressed their support, describing the move as “destiny fulfilled.”

For now, Messi remains focused on his commitments with Inter Miami, but sources suggest his heart is already set on returning to the city where it all began. His comeback wouldn’t just be about football — it would be about legacy, emotion, and a love story that refuses to fade.

As Laporta himself reportedly told close associates after leaving Miami:

“This is more than a transfer. This is history coming home.”