In Barcelona, a buzz of conversation surrounded the idea of Leo Messi potentially returning to the club, sparked by remarks from the president, Joan Laporta, about the legendary forward’s future with the team. Messi, who remains under contract with Paris Saint-Germain through mid-2023, spent several days in the Catalan capital starting last Sunday, a visit that drew wide attention and stirred lively chatter among fans and observers alike. During his stay, the Argentine star connected with old friends and former teammates, enjoying time in the city much as he had during previous returns.
Messi enjoyed a memorable evening with former FC Barcelona colleagues and captains Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The gathering did not confine itself to familiar faces from Barcelona, however. Among the attendees were several PSG players, including Marco Verratti and Achraf Hakimi, who joined the reunion at the same table. The group shared a long dinner filled with laughter, stories from past campaigns, and plans for the future, lingering into the early hours of the morning. The venue was Velissima, a popular Italian restaurant in Nova Bocana beside the Hotel W, a hotspot known for attracting visiting stars and celebrities who come to the city for meals with friends and business associates.
The evening highlighted Messi as a central figure within the crowd, posing for photographs with teammates and sharing moments with members of the local Barcelona scene, including members of the Marinelli family who contribute music and entertainment to social gatherings around town. The visit underscored Messi’s ongoing connection to the club and the city, reinforcing the sense that his ties to Barcelona remain strong even as his professional commitments unfold elsewhere.
Messi took advantage of a scheduled break in duties after PSG granted him leave following an early-season victory in Ligue 1. The pause allowed him to enjoy time in a city that has long stood as a home away from home, where relationships with old friends, former teammates, and influential figures in Catalonia remain vibrant. The gathering at Velissima offered a rare glimpse into the enduring camaraderie between Messi and Barcelona’s inner circle, illustrating how personal ties can persist beyond the boundaries of club allegiance and competition. The moments captured during the evening reflected not only a celebration of memories but also a nuanced portrait of modern football culture, where elite clubs and personal loyalties can intersect in unexpected and meaningful ways. As Messi’s career continues to unfold with PSG, supporters in Barcelona and beyond watch closely, hoping for future possibilities that could weave the past with the present in new and surprising forms.