Joan Laporta dismisses Lionel Messi's Barcelona return possibility: Details here
What's the story
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dismissed the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club as "unrealistic." The statement comes after the Argentine forward expressed his desire to come back, not just for a farewell. Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and later moved to Inter Miami in 2023. He recently signed a new contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
Official stance
Laporta says Messi deserves a grand tribute
Laporta clarified his position on Catalunya Radio, saying, "For me to make speculation that is unrealistic, nor do I think is fair, I believe that is not appropriate." He acknowledged the way Messi's Barcelona career ended wasn't ideal due to financial issues at the club. However, he hopes to organize a tribute match for the football legend once Nou Camp reopens after renovations. Laporta said he wants Messi to have "the best tribute in the world," preferably at Nou Camp in front of 105,000 fans.
Heartfelt longing
Messi's emotional connection to Barcelona
Messi recently visited the Camp Nou and expressed his family's longing for Barcelona. He said, "We miss Barcelona a lot. The kids constantly mention it, and my wife and I often talk about Barcelona, the idea of living there again." Despite Laporta's firm stance against speculation of Messi's return, the football legend's emotional connection with the city remains strong.
Stats
Messi scored 672 goals and made 269 assists for Barcelona
Messi played 778 matches for Barcelona in all competitions and scored 672 goals. In addition, he registered a whopping tally of 269 assists. He was therefore involved in 941 goals for the club. 474 of his goals for the club came in La Liga from 520 appearances. He remains La Liga's highest goal-scorer. He also chipped in with a record 192 assists in La Liga. In the Champions League, Messi scored 120 goals and made 36 assists from 149 appearances.
Information
10 Liga titles and 4 Champions League honors with Barcelona
Messi won 10 La Liga honors with Barcelona. He also bagged the Champions League on 4 occasions. Besides, he also won three FIFA Club World Cups and three UEFA Super Cups. He also won numerous Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana titles.