Jordi Alba Reacts to Messi’s Emotional Nou Camp Visit, Clears the Air on His Own Return

Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba has shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s surprise return to the newly redeveloped Nou Camp, a moment that ignited excitement and speculation among Barcelona fans worldwide.

Messi, who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before later joining Inter Miami, was seen inside the iconic stadium on Sunday. He later posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing:

“Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul.”

His words—and the emotion behind them—were enough to send the football world into a frenzy, with many suspecting the visit could hint at a future reunion with the Catalan giants.

Alba: “Messi deserves the key to Camp Nou”

Speaking on El Larguero, Jordi Alba laughed off any suggestion that he would make a similar return or that Messi’s visit held deeper meaning for him personally.

“No, no, no,” Alba joked.
“Messi is the greatest player of all time, and he deserves to have the key to Camp Nou. I will go to watch matches with my family and enjoy it another way.”

Alba also clarified that he knew nothing about Messi’s trip beforehand:

“Messi didn’t say anything to me… it was my father who told me about it. But this isn’t something I’m concerned about. I’ve always handled pressure—criticism or praise—very well.”

The pair, beloved figures during Barcelona’s golden era, remain close after their years together at Camp Nou.

**Opinion:

Messi’s Visit Was More Than Nostalgia — It Was a Reminder of What Barcelona Once Was**

Messi’s quiet walk back into the stadium wasn’t just sentimental—it felt symbolic. For many fans, it stirred memories of the era when Barcelona’s football wasn’t just effective; it was magic. A time when Messi and Alba formed one of the most fluid left-sided partnerships in football history.

Alba’s humorous response shows he understands something deeper: Messi’s relationship with Camp Nou is unique, sacred even. Not every legend returns to inspire rumours—some simply come to reconnect with a place that shaped them.

And while Messi’s visit may not signal a comeback on the pitch, it reignited something else—the hope and emotion of fans who still see him as the soul of Barcelona.

In the end, perhaps Messi returning “with his soul” is the closure both he and Barcelona needed… or maybe, it’s the opening chapter of something yet to unfold.