Laporta Dismisses Talk of Messi’s Barcelona Return, Calls It ‘Unrealistic’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on speculation about Lionel Messi making a playing return to the Catalan club, describing the idea as “unrealistic.”

The comments come just days after Messi made a surprise visit to the newly reopened Camp Nou, where he expressed his desire to “return one day” to the club that shaped his legendary career.

Messi, now 38 and playing for Inter Miami, spent 21 years at Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances. During his glittering spell, he captured 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and three FIFA Club World Cups.

His emotional departure in 2021, brought on by Barcelona’s financial struggles, remains one of the most talked-about moments in modern football. Reflecting on that period, Laporta said he had “no regrets,” insisting that “Barça is above everything.”

However, Laporta did reveal that the club is keen to pay tribute to Messi once the renovated Camp Nou is fully operational. “Things didn’t end the way we would have liked,” he admitted. “If this tribute can make up for what wasn’t done, it would be right for him to have the best farewell in the world — in front of 105,000 fans.”

Messi, who recently extended his contract with Inter Miami, shared a heartfelt message after his visit:

“Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart — a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can return.”

Laporta described Messi’s visit as “spontaneous,” saying it reflected the Argentine’s enduring affection for Barcelona.
Messi is currently in Spain with the Argentina national team, preparing for a friendly match against Angola.