Will Lionel Messi ever play for Barcelona again? Laporta ends the debate | OneFootball

Laporta’s latest comments make the club’s position clear

Will Lionel Messi ever play for Barcelona again? Laporta ends the debate

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has ruled out any possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club as player.

The club president described the idea as "unrealistic" despite recent reports suggesting the Argentine star could return to the Blaugrana on short term loan during the summer transfer window in MLS.

Messi who left Barcelona in 2021 after 20 year at the club has been linked repeatedly with emotional comeback.

Several Spanish outlets reported that Barca were exploring temporary deal with Inter Miami where Messi recently signed contract running until 2028.

"Messi’s return as player is not realistic"

Laporta also stressed that Barcelona must prioritise long term planning rather than re living the club’s golden era:

A relationship rebuilt but football return ruled out

Reports in recent years suggested tense relationship between Messi & Laporta following the Argentine’s departure in 2021 with Messi publicly expressing disappointment after Barca failed to fulfil promises to renew his contract.

Despite past tension, Laporta has repeatedly stated that the club intends to honour Messi’s legacy properly. Plans are already being discussed to install statue of Messi at the Camp Nou recognising him as the greatest player in the club’s history.