Lionel Messi Features in Surprise Barcelona Presidential Campaign Billboard

Ciria, as was evident would happen, spoke about a possible return of Messi to Barcelona. "They expelled our idol in a bad way and he had to return at night and secretly. It cannot happen again. His return is crucial for the club's present and future. I am proud of the tribute we have given him today," he said.

Lionel Messi Could Return to Barcelona as Strategic Partner

Ciria also made it clear that it would not be a return as a player and, to explain it, he cited Erling Haaland, who has been linked to the Catalan club for years.

"To sign Haaland we must recover Messi as a strategic partner, his future is linked to Barça," he said, according to the cited outlet.

Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, as he represents the face of the Herons' campaign to inaugurate their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which will open its doors in the 2026 MLS season.

Although the Argentine lost quality teammates like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who retired at the end of the 2025 season, the club co-owned by David Beckham did not take long to sign more stars to best surround its biggest star.

Among the notable signings closed by Inter Miami recently are Rodrigo De Paul, who was initially on loan from Atletico Madrid but has now been permanently transferred; the same case for Tadeo Allende, coming from Celta Vigo, German Berterame from Monterrey and Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United.