'Unrealistic' - Laporta rules out Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on speculation that club legend Lionel Messi could make a sensational return to Camp Nou, describing the possibility as “unrealistic.”

Speaking to Catalunya Radio on Wednesday, Laporta said, “Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, and Barca members, I believe that now, to speculate on something unrealistic is not fair or appropriate.”

Messi, made a surprise appearance at Camp Nou on Sunday night, where he addressed fans and expressed his wish to one day return to the club that shaped his career.

“I hope one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do,” Messi said during his visit.

The Argentine, who currently plays for Inter Miami CF in the United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS), is in Spain with the Argentina national team ahead of a friendly match against Angola.

An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, Messi spent over 20 years with the Catalan giants before leaving in 2021.

His departure came amid the club’s severe financial crisis, which prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract under La Liga’s salary cap rules.

Laporta, who was also president at the time of Messi’s exit, said he had no regrets, stressing that the interests of the club come first, “Barca is above everything.”

Despite ruling out a return as a player, Laporta revealed that Barcelona plans to host a tribute match for Messi once the newly rebuilt Camp Nou is completed.

“Things didn’t end the way we would have liked… 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 tribute match in the world, in front of 105,000 fans,” he explained.

Laporta also described Messi’s Sunday appearance as a “spontaneous” gesture of love toward the club and its supporters.