“I'm not going to fuel controversies” - Joan Laporta makes ‘realistic’ claim about Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona as player

Barcelona president Joan Laporta steered clear of talks about Lionel Messi's return as a player. The Argentine left the Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 after his contract couldn't be renewed due to the club's financial woes.

Messi spent the next two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before deciding to embark on a new adventure with Inter Miami in MLS amid talks of a Camp Nou return.

Despite being contracted to his current side till 2028, there have been talks of Messi returning to the newly renovated Camp Nou, especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina are the defending champions.

However, Laporta downplayed such speculations during the Foros de Vanguardia event (as per Barca Universal):

“I’m not going to fuel controversies or speculation about things that aren’t realistic. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Leo will always be in the collective memory of Barcelona fans. Leo has a contract with a football club."

Although Messi's return as a player to his alma mater doesn't seem imminent, Laporta alluded to a tribute for the legend for his contributions to the club when the new Camp Nou opens at full capacity:

“The tribute should take place at a time when we can thank him for everything he’s done for Barca. A tribute with a full Camp Nou, with 105,000 Barça fans thanking Messi for everything he’s done for the club, could be a beautiful thing."

As per former Barca vice-president Jordi Mestre (via beinsports), Messi is apparently not in cordial terms with Laporta owing to the nature of his exit four years ago.

How Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has fared this season

Lionel Messi is in the midst of his best season with Inter Miami since arriving on American shores as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after nearly two decades in European football.

The record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has struck 43 times and provided 24 assists in 48 games across competitions. He has especially sizzled in the MLS Cup play-offs, with six goals and five assists in five games, ahead of the final with Vancouver on Saturday (December 6).

Earlier in the regular season, the Barcelona legend contributed 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 games as the Herons finished third in the regular season, a point behind leaders Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference.

Edited by Bhargav