Messi’s return to Barcelona is not likely, says Laporta, the club’s president

Lionel Messi’s unexpected visit to the renovated Camp Nou, where he played for 21 years of his illustrious career, has led Barcelona president Joan Laporta to dismiss the prospect of the Argentine star rejoining the team as ridiculous.

Messi departed the Catalan team in 2021 since they were unable to maintain him financially. Messi joined Barca’s youth academy at the age of 13, and he went on to become their all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances.

In his Sunday visit to the legendary stadium, the 38-year-old World Cup winner, who currently plays for Inter Miami, stated that he hopes to return there in the future.

“I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had previously stated.

“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,” Laporta said on Catalunya Radio on Wednesday.

Messi’s legendary Barca career included three Club World Cups, four Champions League wins, and ten La Liga titles.

Messi, who left Barcelona on a free transfer to Paris St. Germain, said in October that he was extending his contract with Inter Miami, which he had previously implied would be his final Major League Soccer team.

Laporta stated that after the improvements, which are expected to increase the stadium’s capacity to 105,000, are finished, Barca would like to pay homage to Messi at Camp Nou.

“He is a member of Inter Miami. He’s always welcome and understands that he’s loved and valued for who he is,” Laporta added.

“He deserves the greatest tribute in the world, so it’s only fair. A homage to him in front of 105,000 supporters would be fantastic.