SOCCER

Barcelona president Joan Laporta firmly rules out potential Lionel Messi return

Amid heightened anticipation surrounding Lionel Messi's potential return to Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta made a decisive and emphatic statement to address the swirling speculation.

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi speak.
Ā© David Ramos/Getty ImagesFC Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi speak.

Lionel Messi’s recent visit to Barcelona, ostensibly to tour the newly renovated Camp Nou, has ignited speculation about a potential return to the club where he spent the majority of his illustrious career. However, club president Joan Laporta swiftly quelled these rumors with a definitive statement.

ā€œLeo Messi will not return to BarƧa on a six-month loan as a player,ā€ Laporta disclosed to Catalonia Radio. ā€œOut of respect for Messi, our players, and our staff, it’s not the time to entertain unrealistic scenarios.ā€

Laporta’s remarks clarified any misunderstandings regarding Messi’s potential return to Barcelona on loan to participate in European tournaments. With Laporta’s comments dispelling rumors, attention now shifts to Messi’s ongoing journey with Inter Miami, with expectations mounting about what lies ahead.

Advertisement

ā€œI was glad to see Messi back at the Camp Nou, but no, we didn’t know he was coming,ā€Laporta remarked about Messi’s unexpected visit, which thrilled fans and echoed the legacy Messi left in the hearts of Barcelona’s fan base, as he also delivered a message on his return.

Laporta’s reflections on a fitting farewell for Messi

Although seeing Messi in Barcelona brought joy to Laporta, he remained firm about the sentiments towards the club’s storied number 10 and outlined what Messi deserves from the organization upon his eventual retirement.

Advertisement
Lionel Messi admits major concern about 2026 World Cup with Argentina

see also

ā€œWe love him. This is his home, and he knows it. I still believe he deserves the most farewell in history with Barcelona fans gathered,ā€ Laporta stated, emphasizing the profound respect and admiration the club holds for Messi.

Laporta’s stance on Messi’s departure

In the wake of Messi’s departure from Barcelona, much was speculated about his relationship with Laporta. However, the club’s president addressed the truth behind these rumors.

Advertisement

ā€œDespite what happened with his departure, I have no regrets as BarƧa stands above anyone else. It’s not what we all wanted, but it was not feasible to retain Messi at that point due to our financial situation,ā€ Laporta admitted.

With these revelations and the situation clarified, what remains between Barcelona and Messi, as Laporta highlighted, is the opportunity for a proper farewell when the Argentine star chooses to retire and embrace life beyond professional soccer.

Advertisement

Survey

Do you think that Barcelona should consider having Messi back on loan?

ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE

ALSO READ
Julian Alvarez breaks a Lionel Messi Champions League record set with Barcelona
Soccer

Julian Alvarez breaks a Lionel Messi Champions League record set with Barcelona

Lionel Messi has the chance to join Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami due to a specific MLS rule
Soccer

Lionel Messi has the chance to join Barcelona on loan from Inter Miami due to a specific MLS rule

Lionel Messi admits major concern about 2026 World Cup with Argentina
Soccer

Lionel Messi admits major concern about 2026 World Cup with Argentina

Why is Jude Bellingham not starting today for England vs Serbia in UEFA 2026 WorldĀ CupĀ Qualifiers?
Soccer

Why is Jude Bellingham not starting today for England vs Serbia in UEFA 2026 WorldĀ CupĀ Qualifiers?

Better Collective Logo