BARCELONA is thought to have teased the return of a football superstar in a cryptic AI-generated social media post.
The club shared a series of four images of solar systems resembling a certain star footballer to Instagram, sending fans into frenzy.
Along with the pictures, created by Krea.Ai, FC Barcelona wrote: “Tonight the blaugrana sky is brighter than usual.”
Supporters of the club claimed to “see the goat”, Lionel “Leo” Messi.
The 36-year-old, who is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, made his competitive debut for Barcelona in 2004.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed the AI-generated images seemed to have been based on old footage or pictures of the forward celebrating goals for Barca.
They claimed one particular solar system looked similar to a snap taken when Messi scored his third goal in a 4-3 comeback victory against Real Madrid in 2014.
A fan made the assumption: “Messi will return to Barcelona.”
Social media influencer Yadil M Iqbal said: “Please dont give us hope … our best part of life in it … leo and barca.”
Some seemed sure the mysterious images indicated Messi was set to make a return to Barcelona, while others were confused.
One user commented: “What does it mean. I just sew Leo in the pictures.”
Another questioned: “Messi returns?”
Messi spent almost his entire professional career with Barcelona, winning a record 34 trophies including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four Champions League crowns.
The club decided not to renew its star player’s contract in August 2021 after 17 seasons due to “financial and structural obstacles”.
He broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans and switched to French club Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons and won Ligue 1 twice.
The footballer joined American club Inter Miami in July this year.
Barcelona’s Instagram post comes amid rumours Messi is set to return to the club in January.
His possible return will depend on whether his new side – whose owners include David Beckham – makes the Major League Soccer play-offs.
The superstar was this week nominated for Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player award despite playing just four games.
He fired Inter Miami to its first-ever silverware with the Leagues Cup, scoring ten goals and adding one assist, and scored once and contributed two assists in four regular season games.
