Barcelona president Joan Laporta has firmly shut down speculation about Lionel Messi returning to the club, insisting it is not the time to discuss “unrealistic scenarios” despite the Argentine legend’s recent visit to Camp Nou.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio on Wednesday, Laporta addressed ongoing rumours linking Messi with a sensational return to the Catalan giants, where he spent over two decades before his shock departure in 2021.
“Out of respect for Messi, our players and for our staff members, it’s not the time to speculate with unrealistic scenarios,” Laporta stated clearly.
The Barcelona chief confirmed that Messi’s recent visit to Camp Nou was unexpected but welcomed, revealing the enduring bond between the player and the club.
“I was glad to see Messi back at the Camp Nou, but no, we didn’t know he was coming. We love him. This is his home and he knows it,” Laporta said warmly. “I still think he deserves the best farewell in history with Barcelona fans reunited.”
Messi’s departure from Barcelona in August 2021 sent shockwaves through world football. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced to leave despite both parties wanting to continue their relationship, due to La Liga’s financial fair play regulations and Barcelona’s dire economic situation at the time.
Laporta defended the difficult decision, standing by the club-first approach that defined that tumultuous period.
“Despite what happened with his departure… I have no regrets as Barça is above anyone else,” he explained. “It’s not what we all wanted, but it was not possible to keep Messi at that moment due to our financial situation.”
Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona and later moved to Inter Miami in 2023, remains the club’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals and won 35 trophies during his legendary tenure at Camp Nou.
While Laporta’s comments suggest a Barcelona reunion remains unlikely in the immediate future, his acknowledgement that Messi deserves a proper farewell leaves open the possibility of a future tribute befitting the club’s greatest-ever player.
