Fermín López expressed his desire to see Lionel Messi return to Barcelona, even if it means he has to sit on the sidelines. The 22-year-old has consistently been one of Barcelona’s standout players this season but is willing to relinquish his position at the Camp Nou for the chance to witness the legendary eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s emotional farewell tour.
Imagining a Dream Signing: Fermin Chooses Messi
Messi, regarded as one of the greatest players ever, left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in 2021, ending a lifelong association with the club due to serious financial constraints. His departure was filled with emotion, leaving many fans in tears.
Currently, Messi is in the US with Inter Miami, having signed a deal that lasts until 2028, making a return to Europe as an active player seem improbable.
Nevertheless, Fermín remains hopeful. A product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, he stated, “If I could sign anyone for Barça, it would be Leo Messi. If that means I have to come off the bench, I’m fine with it!”
Contract Negotiations: A Pay Rise on the Horizon
Although Fermín has been rotated out of the starting XI at times this season, he has become a staple in coach Hansi Flick’s plans, tallying 10 goals and 10 assists in the 2025-26 season, including a hat-trick against Olympiakos in the Champions League.
Currently, he’s discussing a new contract that could keep him at Barcelona until 2031, which reportedly includes a 50% pay increase and a heightened release clause. He has also caught the attention of Premier League side Chelsea.
Fermín commented on the negotiations, saying, “Yes, things are going well. We’re still working out some details, but staying at Barça is my top priority. I hope it happens soon, and I’m excited about it.”
A Friendly Rivalry: Fermin Battles Olmo for Minutes
Regarding his impressive performances, Fermín remarked, “I want to make significant contributions to the team. While scoring goals and providing assists isn’t a specific target of mine, it’s essential for my role.”
“I believe this is my best season yet. I’m feeling confident and eager to showcase my skills, especially with shots from distance,” he continued.
“It’s not just about competition; I have a great relationship with Dani Olmo. He’s an excellent player, and even though we’re in a competitive environment, I think we could complement each other well on the pitch.”
Chasing Glory: Barcelona’s Goals for 2026
Finally, as Barcelona aims for both La Liga and Champions League titles, Fermín shared his thoughts on their collective ambitions for 2026: “We’re Barça, and I believe we have a solid team. Our goal is to compete at the highest levels, and we want to win everything this year.”
Flick’s team currently leads Real Madrid by one point in La Liga and is set to face FC Copenhagen in their next European match, aiming to secure a place in the Champions League knockout stage.
Fan Take: This news highlights the enduring legacy of Lionel Messi and how his potential return to Barcelona could spark a renewed passion among fans. For soccer enthusiasts, the prospect of witnessing a farewell tour from such a legendary figure could create a magical chapter in the club’s history.
