Barcelona President Laporta Rules Out Messi’s Return Amid Emotional Visit
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the prospect of Lionel Messi returning to the club is “unrealistic,” following the Argentine superstar’s sentimental visit to the newly renovated Camp Nou. Messi, who spent an illustrious 21 years at the club, has continued to express his affection for Barcelona, despite currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi, who joined Barcelona’s youth academy at just 13 years old, became the club’s all-time leading scorer with an impressive record of 672 goals in 778 appearances. He left the Catalan giants in 2021 when financial constraints made it impossible for the team to retain him.
During his emotional visit to Camp Nou on Sunday, Messi articulated his heartfelt desire to return, saying, “I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do.” His words resonate deeply with fans and players alike, as the footballing world fondly remembers his time in a Barça jersey.
However, Laporta, in his response aired on Catalunya Radio, emphasized the importance of maintaining realistic expectations. “Out of respect to Messi, all the club staff and the club members, it’s not right for me to speculate on something that would not be realistic, and it’s not the moment to do it,” he stated.
Throughout his legendary career at Barcelona, Messi secured an impressive tally of 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cup honors. After leaving Barça, he joined Paris Saint-Germain for a short stint before settling down at Inter Miami, where he recently extended his contract.
Laporta expressed his hope to honor Messi with a grand tribute at Camp Nou once renovations—aimed at expanding the stadium’s capacity to 105,000—are completed. “He’s playing for Inter Miami. He knows he’s loved and appreciated for who he is and that he’ll always be welcome,” Laporta added. “It would be wonderful to have his tribute here, in front of 105,000 fans.”
