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.
Read more on Lionel Messi
Newell club
Lionel Messi 'has Inter Miami exit planned' three months after joining MLS side
not messing
Messi cornered me in the showers to ask bizarre question about rival Ronaldo
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.
Most read in Football
HORROR INJURY
Fulham clash stopped after horror injury for Sheff Utd star Chris Basham
RASH DECISION
Rashford faces Man Utd axe amid poor form as Ten Hag admits he’s ‘struggling’
IN THE DOCK
Ex-football star could face 15 years in jail for alleged sex attack on ex-wife
THE GALL OF IT
Man Utd apologise for ‘unacceptable’ situation after defeat to Galatasaray
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.
Read More on The Sun
LUXE LIFE
Michelle Keegan stuns in see through skirt as she glams up for night out in Dubai
painful end
Strictly's Annabel claims ‘psychopath’ nurse ‘gloated’ as her husband died
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.
Source: Read Full Article
