In a candid interview conducted in Paris, Lionel Messi reflected on the emptiness that lingered after his farewell and the longing to return someday to what he felt was home.
Ernest Folch, what’s with him Barca It is an open wound that does not stop bleeding. Is this how you see it, is this how you feel?
And a little yes, a little yes, a little bit because I couldn’t say goodbye to people I believed I deserved to thank, the same way the actors I mentioned deserved, for the moments we shared. I would love to go in that direction. Yet there was also noisy criticism, as if I had played the villain in a story, and that didn’t sit well because it wasn’t true. So I want to bid farewell when it feels right to the people we spent years with, who brought so much joy, but also challenges, into our lives. They stood beside me through long stretches, and I want to say goodbye in a way that feels authentic.
And speaking of this wound… Would you like to return to Barça at some point or take on a role like a technical secretary or an ambassador?
Yes, of course I want to stay close to the club. We plan for a future in Barcelona, a place my family loves and where we see ourselves settling. There’s no rush, but the idea remains clear: one day I hope to come back and contribute in some meaningful way because Barça will always hold a special place in my heart. Over the years, the affection of the fans has been overwhelming, and the door to return will always be open in the right moment.
I think this whole process caused worry about how things would unfold. Is there anything in particular that hurts you, or could there be a salvageable path?
No, not really salvageable in the sense of erasing what happened. There has been a lot said, much leaked, and some statements turned out to be untrue. It’s not about denying every claim, but the noise and the misrepresentations have been hard to endure. There were various moments that touched the family, with reports about the parents, about my father allegedly contacting leagues, or about what my children were facing. When matters involve the family, it becomes deeply personal and uncomfortable, because those details stray far from the truth and end up causing real discomfort.