Barcelona fans chanting “Messi, Messi, Messi” at the ten-minute mark

During the latest edition of El Clasico, Barcelona fans couldn’t resist chanting Lionel Messi’s name as the Blaugrana welcomed fierce rivals Real Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou for a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.

Barcelona held a 1-0 lead on aggregate thanks to an own goal from Eder Militao at the Santiago Bernabeu, setting the stage for an exciting match in Catalonia.

Despite this, for a brief moment, the attention was not on any player from either side.

In recent weeks, rumors have linked Messi with a sensational return to Barcelona, as it seems unlikely that he will continue playing for Paris Saint-Germain beyond this season.

Since his return from winning the World Cup, the Argentine’s time in France’s capital city has not been happy.

During PSG’s recent 1-0 loss to Lyon in Ligue 1, some fans booed Messi. However, at Camp Nou, where Messi had made the stadium his own personal playground, he is still held in the highest regard.

In the 10th minute of the match, which paid homage to his old shirt number, Barcelona fans loudly chanted their legend’s name.

The chant was clearly audible through television screens, and footage captured from inside the ground was truly moving, evoking a sense of goosebumps.

Check out the videos…

🔴🔵 Barça fans at El Clasico: “Messi, Messi, Messi!” pic.twitter.com/s7EkwPmuIJ

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 5, 2023

Meeeesssiii meeeeessiiii en el Spotify Camp Nou @JijantesFC pic.twitter.com/puxGv1QucN

— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) April 5, 2023

It’s truly amazing.

Even though he left almost two years ago, Messi is still one of the most beloved figures in the city of Barcelona. And why wouldn’t he be? The 35-year-old defined the club’s most successful era, scoring an incredible 672 goals across all competitions – a record-breaking achievement that will remain unparalleled for centuries to come.

Will Messi return to Barcelona in the summer?

Per Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Barcelona hierarchy have not yet been in contact with Messi over a stunning return.

According to reports, the Spanish league leaders may not have the financial resources to make such a move for Messi. Meanwhile, PSG has reportedly offered the Argentine a one-year contract, and Inter Miami of the MLS is willing to offer him an equity stake in the club as an incentive to join.

However, if it were up to Barcelona fans, they would love to see Messi return “home” next season, regardless of the cost.