Fermin Lopez has expressed his heartfelt desire to see Lionel Messi return to Barcelona, even if it means sacrificing his own position on the team. The 22-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the standout players for the Blaugrana this season, but he is willing to step down from his playmaking role if it allows the legendary eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to have a nostalgic farewell tour in Catalunya.
Messi's Legacy and Departure from Barcelona
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, ended his long association with Barcelona in 2021 when he left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. His departure was an emotional moment for both Messi and the fans, as financial difficulties forced the club to let go of their iconic star. Now playing in the United States with Inter Miami, Messi has signed a contract that extends through 2028, making a return to Europe as a player seem unlikely at this stage of his career. Despite this, Fermin Lopez remains hopeful, stating in interviews, "If it were up to me to sign someone for Barca, I would sign Leo Messi. If they bench me for Messi, so be it!"
Fermin's Role at Barcelona and Contract Discussions
Fermin Lopez has established himself as a vital player for Barcelona, contributing significantly to the team's success in the 2025-26 season with 10 goals and an equal number of assists, including a hat-trick in the Champions League against Olympiacos. Although he has faced some rotation in the starting lineup, head coach Hansi Flick sees him as an indispensable asset. Currently, discussions are underway regarding a new contract for Fermin, which is expected to extend his tenure at the club until 2031 and include a 50% pay raise along with an increased release clause due to interest from Premier League clubs like Chelsea.
Reflecting on the contract talks, Fermin expressed optimism, saying, "Yes, things are going pretty well, there are still a few things to sort out, but I intend to stay at Barca, which is the most important thing for me. I hope it happens soon, and I’m very happy." He is focused on continuing his strong performance for the team and contributing to their success.
Competitive Spirit and Team Ambitions
In addition to his individual goals, Fermin Lopez acknowledges the healthy competition he shares with teammate Dani Olmo. "I have a very good relationship with Dani. He’s a great player, and we’re at Barca where competition is always fierce. I believe we can complement each other well on the pitch," he noted.
As Barcelona aims for glory in La Liga and the Champions League, Fermin is confident in the squad's potential. He stated, "We are Barca, and I think we have a very good squad. I believe we can compete for everything and hopefully this year we can achieve great success. We want to win everything." With Barcelona currently holding a narrow lead over rivals Real Madrid in the league standings, the team is poised for an exciting season ahead. They will return to European action soon, facing FC Copenhagen with hopes of securing automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
