Barcelona: Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential return to the Catalan club, calling the idea “unrealistic” while emphasizing that the club remains “above everything.”
The remarks came just days after Messi made a surprise appearance at the Camp Nou on Sunday night — his first visit since leaving the club in 2021. During his brief stop, the Argentine icon told fans, “I hope one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do.”
Laporta: “Speculation Would Be Unfair”
In an interview with Catalunya Radio, Laporta addressed the rising buzz surrounding Messi’s comments.
“Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, and the Barça members, I believe it’s not fair or appropriate to speculate on something that’s unrealistic,” he said.
Laporta, who was also club president when Messi departed in August 2021, explained that although the decision was painful, it was necessary due to the club’s dire financial situation at the time.
“I don’t regret what happened. We had to make decisions for the survival of the club. Barcelona is above everything,” Laporta stated firmly.
A Farewell That Never Happened
Messi, Barça’s all-time leading scorer (672 goals) and appearance-maker (778 matches), left the club in tears after La Liga’s financial regulations prevented Barcelona from registering his new contract. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain, spending two seasons there before moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Since leaving, Messi has often expressed that his Barcelona goodbye felt incomplete, something Laporta now admits the club hopes to rectify.
Plans for a Grand Tribute at the New Camp Nou
Laporta confirmed that once the renovated Camp Nou — currently undergoing major redevelopment under the Espai Barça project — is fully open, the club plans to host a special tribute match in Messi’s honor.
“Things didn’t end the way we would have liked,” Laporta said. “If this tribute can make up for what wasn’t done, I think it would be a good thing. It would be right that he has the best farewell match in the world — in front of 105,000 fans.”
The tribute, according to insiders, could coincide with Camp Nou’s reopening in 2026, though no formal timeline has been set.
Messi’s Surprise Visit Was “Spontaneous”
Laporta described Messi’s recent Camp Nou visit as a “spontaneous and heartfelt moment”, adding that it showcased the deep emotional bond the World Cup winner still shares with Barcelona.
“He came with great affection. It was spontaneous, a sign of how much he loves this club,” Laporta said.
Messi in Spain With Argentina
Currently, Messi is in Spain with the Argentina national team, as they prepare for an international friendly against Angola. Despite playing his club football in the United States, Messi continues to feature prominently for Argentina, who are unbeaten in their last seven matches since the Copa América qualifiers began.
While a playing return now seems impossible, Messi’s connection with Barcelona — and the club’s desire to properly celebrate his legacy — remains unbroken. A tribute match at the new Camp Nou could serve as a long-awaited closure for fans who never got to bid farewell to their greatest hero.
