Laporta talks Messi Camp Nou visit, 2021 exit and potential future return – ‘I have no regrets’ | OneFootball

Lionel Messi’s surprise visit to Barcelona and the Spotify Camp Nou a few days ago took social media by storm, for it was the first time the player stepped on the field since his sudden departure back in 2021.

A lot was said about the Argentine star’s visit, with some sources claiming it was a sudden decision with no one from the club being informed about it.

Regardless of the manner in which he arrived, Messi’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou was widely celebrated and seen as a special gesture reflecting his endless love for the club.

Laporta speaks about Messi

In a recent interview, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was asked about Messi’s recent visit to Catalonia and the Spotify Camp Nou and whether the board were aware of the player’s visit before it happened.

He cleared the air, stating that it was a sudden plan that the board were not informed of.

“I was glad to see Messi back at the Camp Nou, but no, we didn’t know he was coming. We love him. This is his home, and he knows it. I think he deserves the best farewell in history.”

Messi visited Camp Nou in secret this past weekend. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

Laporta then spoke about Messi’s departure from the club, which happened months after he was elected the president of Barcelona, and defended the decision, citing it was the right thing to do.

“Despite how everything happened with Leo Messi’s departure, I have no regrets. Barça is above anyone else. It’s not what we all wanted, but it was not possible at that moment.”

Finally, the club president was asked if it was remotely possible that Messi would join Barcelona on a short loan to close his story at the club, to which he said,

“Out of respect for Messi, our players, and our members, it’s not the time to speculate with unrealistic scenarios.”

Regarding a tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or in the future, the Barcelona president added:

“It’s only fair that Lionel receives the greatest tribute in the world. Once the works are finished, the capacity will reach 105,000 spectators, which is what we want.

“We are working on the tribute and on delivering the best football in the world, and as part of the tribute, we want to give Messi the appreciation he deserves.”

Source: SPORT