Barcelona president Joan Laporta dismissed the possibility of Lionel Messi rejoining the club, citing his contract with Inter Miami. His comments followed a club members’ event.
Speculation about Lionel Messi’s playing return to Barcelona intensified following his recent visit to Spotify Camp Nou. However, club president Joan Laporta, who had previously discussed plans for a statue in the star’s honour, definitively ruled out the Argentine’s return.
Laporta’s comments were made in a video circulating on social media, reportedly stemming from his attendance at an event with club members in Sant Cugat del Vallés on Wednesday. His remarks were widely reported by Fabrizio Romano and DAZN.
“Messi’s return as a player is simply unrealistic. For now, he has a contract with Inter Miami. The club is building a project for the present and the future. It’s complicated. If you live in the past, you hardly move forward,” said Laporta.
Messi, who recently stated his wish to have spent his entire career at Barcelona, extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028. His immediate focus is to secure the MLS title this year.