Clear words

Barcelona boss Laporta: No Messi return!

The Inter Miami jersey will probably be the last one Lionel Messi will wear at club level - there will apparently be no return to FC Barcelona as an active player ...(Bild: AFP/IRA L. BLACK)

Joan Laporta does not expect Lionel Messi to return to FC Barcelona!

"Out of respect for Messi, all the club's staff and the club's members, it is not right to speculate about something that is not realistic and it is not the right time to do so," the FC Barcelona president told Catalunya Radio on Wednesday. The eight-time world footballer made a surprise visit to the renovated Estadio Camp Nou on Sunday.

Joan Laporta(Bild: AFP/LLUIS GENE)

"I hope that one day I can return - and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I've never been able to do", the Argentine had said somewhat cryptically on Instagram afterwards, causing much speculation.

"It's only fair that he receives the best honor in the world!"
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 17 years with 672 goals in 778 appearances to join Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentinian world champion currently plays for Inter Miami. He extended his contract there in October and declared that the Major League Soccer (MLS) club would probably be his last stop in his career.

Lionel Messi(Bild: AFP/JEWEL SAMAD)

What is certain is that Messi will be properly honored in Barcelona. "It's only fair that he receives the best honor in the world. It would be wonderful if this honor were to take place here in front of 105,000 fans," said Laporta. However, it is not yet certain when the work on the arena will be completed, especially as there have already been several delays.