Barcelona president Joan Laporta has extinguished all speculation about Lionel Messi's return to Camp Nou. The 38-year-old left Barca in 2021 after the two sides failed to reach a contract extension agreement. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain under a 2-year contract.
The Argentine is currently playing for Inter Miami in MLS, but the US team's season will end in December and will only return in the spring. That means Messi will have a gap in his playing schedule and he wants to maintain his top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has recently caused a stir in public opinion as there were rumors about his ability to return to Barcelona after a secret visit to Camp Nou last weekend. However, the Laporta president insists such a short-term deal is "unrealistic".
"His departure did not go as we expected. But with maximum respect for Messi and everyone at the club, I think it is inappropriate to make unrealistic speculations.
I didn't know he would come, but Camp Nou has always been his home. Everyone told me about that - a beautiful gesture. He had just finished dinner and wanted to visit a few friends.
It was a spontaneous action, imbued with Barcelona's spirit. It is fair that Messi has the most beautiful thank you in the world. When the stadium is completed, with a capacity of 105,000 spectators, we are looking forward to that moment" - Laporta said.
According to Spanish media, coach Hansi Flick also strongly opposed Messi's return to Barcelona. The German strategist emphasized that recruiting the 38-year-old legend will not bring many benefits to the team.
Recently, in an emotional post on social media, Messi suggested his desire to wear the Barcelona shirt once again. "Last night, I returned to the place I always remember with all my heart.
The place that has given me endless happiness, the place where I have felt the luckiest person in the world thousands of times. I hope to be able to return one day. Not just to say goodbye as a player, something I have never had the opportunity to do" - the Argentine striker shared.
Messi is the greatest player in Barcelona's history. In 17 years with the first team, he played 778 matches, scored 672 goals and had 305 assists, helping the team win 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League. Barcelona is also the launching pad for Messi to win seven Golden Balls in his career.
El Pulga clearly still has a special affection for his former club: "Barcelona are amazing. Everything I hear about the club, about the people here, about the moments we have gone through, always makes me feel nostalgic and filled with emotions."
After the November international break, Messi will return to focus with Inter Miami to prepare for the MLS playoffs. Miami will meet Cincinnati in the Eastern Semi-final later this month.
