As far as football fairytales go, Lionel Messi returning to the Camp Nou would certainly be up there.
It wasn’t a possibility that anyone had considered, until the little magician randomly appeared back on Sunday night – an appearance that took even the club by surprise.
When asked about the possibility of an emotional reunion, Messi said “one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do”.
That quote has got everybody talking.
Could it happen?
Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not befitting of his legendary status. After 21 years with the club, he left without being able to properly say goodbye to the fans. There was a widespread expectation that he would be staying, but the club later withdrew a contract extension citing “financial and structural obstacles”, placing blame upon the league rules.
One tearful press conference later, the news was confirmed. Messi was leaving Barcelona.
Fast forward four years, and Messi is now stateside with Inter Miami. Interestingly, a lesser-known clause in MLS contracts could pave the way for a short Barcelona return.
The ‘Beckham’ Clause
Lionel Messi wasn’t the first superstar to join the MLS.
David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in 2007 forever changed the league. Not only did he bring the global media along with him, catapulting a previously ignored league into the spotlight, but to accommodate a star of his status, new contract rules were introduced that have continued to attract world class talent – such as Lionel Messi.
One rule was the introduction of a Designated Player who was exempt from the salary cap, helping to attract the biggest stars used to large pay packets.
But in the case of Lionel Messi’s potential return to Barcelona, it is the so-called ‘Beckham’ Clause that could facilitate it.
The clause enables MLS players to go on short-term loans during the league’s off-season, typically in the early winter months of a calendar year. Most major leagues in Europe, South America and Asia continue to play during these months, creating a short-term window of opportunity for MLS players to play in other leagues for a few weeks.
David Beckham twice took advantage of this clause with moves to AC Milan, with the intention being to keep his fitness levels up in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. However, Beckham suffered a torn achilles tendon while on loan at AC Milan, which ruled him out of the competition.
Other players to have secured temporary moves using this clause include Thierry Henry, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane.
Could Messi Make The Switch?
Lionel Messi has not publicly confirmed nor denied whether he intends to take part in the 2026 World Cup. In his last interview, he stated that “I Don’t Want to Be a Burden”, although it is worth noting the impressive form he was in during the World Cup qualifying.
Should he decide to play in the World Cup, the MLS winter break in early 2026 could either be a blessing or a curse. If he seeks to avoid a prolonged off-season, Messi could well look to utilise the so-called Beckham clause and find a temporary team.
However, don’t get your hopes up that it will be Barcelona.
Club president Joan Laporta recently went on record to tell Barcelona fans that “Speculating About His Return Is Not Realistic”, and that a sporting reunion on the pitch is off the table. Laporta did however concede that “Things didn’t end the way we wanted. If we can somehow repair what wasn’t done through a tribute, that would be great”.
So, the dream of Lionel Messi back in a Barcelona shirt will remain just that, a dream. Shame.
What About Son?
Son Heung-min had also been linked with a short-term move to Europe, with AC Milan and Tottenham touted as potential destinations under the same aforementioned Beckham Clause. However, Son himself has recently debunked the reports and stated that “My belief and mindset have always been that giving my all to the team I am playing for is most important. The rumours are not true.”
With 2026 being a World Cup year, there are sure to be at least a handful of MLS players to take advantage of the Beckham clause, just not Lionel Messi or Son Heung-min.
