{"id":39445,"date":"2026-01-27T13:37:01","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T18:37:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T13:37:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T18:37:01","slug":"fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench\/","title":{"rendered":"Ferm\u00edn L\u00f3pez Calls for Messi&#8217;s Comeback to Barcelona: &#8220;I\u2019ll Accept the Bench!&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench\/#Imagining_a_Dream_Signing_Fermin_Chooses_Messi\" >Imagining a Dream Signing: Fermin Chooses Messi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench\/#Contract_Negotiations_A_Pay_Rise_on_the_Horizon\" >Contract Negotiations: A Pay Rise on the Horizon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench\/#A_Friendly_Rivalry_Fermin_Battles_Olmo_for_Minutes\" >A Friendly Rivalry: Fermin Battles Olmo for Minutes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/fermin-lopez-calls-for-messis-comeback-to-barcelona-ill-accept-the-bench\/#Chasing_Glory_Barcelonas_Goals_for_2026\" >Chasing Glory: Barcelona&#8217;s Goals for 2026<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"flex-col-cntr article-content mg-b-25\" style=\"width:100%;\" showslider=\"false\" use-external-image=\"false\">\n<div class=\"freeform-content\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" height=\"20px\" src=\"https:\/\/b.fssta.com\/uploads\/application\/external-logos\/goal-dot-com-logo_black.svg\"\/>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Ferm\u00edn L\u00f3pez 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&#8217;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&#8217;Or winner&#8217;s emotional farewell tour.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Imagining_a_Dream_Signing_Fermin_Chooses_Messi\"><\/span>Imagining a Dream Signing: Fermin Chooses Messi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Nevertheless, Ferm\u00edn remains hopeful. A product of Barcelona\u2019s esteemed La Masia academy, he stated, &#8220;If I could sign anyone for Bar\u00e7a, it would be Leo Messi. If that means I have to come off the bench, I&#8217;m fine with it!&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contract_Negotiations_A_Pay_Rise_on_the_Horizon\"><\/span>Contract Negotiations: A Pay Rise on the Horizon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 mg-b-15 article-content\" displaynav=\"true\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-27T092137.055.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-27T092137.055.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Although Ferm\u00edn has been rotated out of the starting XI at times this season, he has become a staple in coach Hansi Flick&#8217;s plans, tallying 10 goals and 10 assists in the 2025-26 season, including a hat-trick against Olympiakos in the Champions League.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Currently, he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Ferm\u00edn commented on the negotiations, saying, &#8220;Yes, things are going well. We&#8217;re still working out some details, but staying at Bar\u00e7a is my top priority. I hope it happens soon, and I&#8217;m excited about it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Friendly_Rivalry_Fermin_Battles_Olmo_for_Minutes\"><\/span>A Friendly Rivalry: Fermin Battles Olmo for Minutes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Regarding his impressive performances, Ferm\u00edn remarked, &#8220;I want to make significant contributions to the team. While scoring goals and providing assists isn&#8217;t a specific target of mine, it&#8217;s essential for my role.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">&#8220;I believe this is my best season yet. I\u2019m feeling confident and eager to showcase my skills, especially with shots from distance,&#8221; he continued.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not just about competition; I have a great relationship with Dani Olmo. He&#8217;s an excellent player, and even though we&#8217;re in a competitive environment, I think we could complement each other well on the pitch.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chasing_Glory_Barcelonas_Goals_for_2026\"><\/span>Chasing Glory: Barcelona&#8217;s Goals for 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 mg-b-15 article-content\" displaynav=\"true\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-27T092210.174.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0\/0\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202026-01-27T092210.174.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Finally, as Barcelona aims for both La Liga and Champions League titles, Ferm\u00edn shared his thoughts on their collective ambitions for 2026: &#8220;We&#8217;re Bar\u00e7a, 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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\">Flick&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> 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&#8217;s history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ferm\u00edn L\u00f3pez 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&#8217;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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39446,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[695,839,247,1465,1005,5993,40,3151,5994,1854,46,45],"class_list":{"0":"post-39445","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-accept","9":"tag-barcelona","10":"tag-bench","11":"tag-calls","12":"tag-comeback","13":"tag-fermin","14":"tag-football","15":"tag-ill","16":"tag-lopez","17":"tag-messis","18":"tag-news","19":"tag-soccer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39445\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}