Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) visited Spotify Camp Nou without any prior contact.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo exclusively reported on the 11th (Korea time), "Lionel Messi visited Camp Nou directly without prior contact with FC Barcelona." The outlet said, "According to a representative of Messi, he quietly entered the stadium around midnight on the 9th without contacting anyone from the club."
According to the report, Messi's visit was thoroughly "impromptu." Visiting Barcelona briefly ahead of an Argentina national team call-up, he wanted to see in person the stadium construction site where his dream was realized, and went straight to Spotify Camp Nou. Afterwards he posted photos of the inside of the stadium on social media.
Barcelona initially felt embarrassed. Two hours after Messi's post went up, the club officially explained, "Messi requested access permission through the security team of construction company Limak, and the club approved it." A club official said, "Messi is always welcome, and there was no problem with his visit."
Messi's camp immediately denied this. "He did not ask the club for permission. He did not request it through Limak either," they rebutted. The explanations from both sides differed, but one fact is clear. Messi returned to "his home."
A representative of Messi's camp emphasized, "His intention is clear. He wants to return to Barcelona someday and be part of the club. This place is still his home."
Meanwhile, Spanish radio station RAC1 added, "Messi visited this time with teammate Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) and his close friend and longtime aide Pepe Costa."
The global football fans were surprised by the "midnight visit to Camp Nou": the unauthorized late-night steps were a scene that showed Messi's genuine love for Barcelona.
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