Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated that Lionel Messi will not be returning to the club after he made a surprise appearance at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.
The image of Messi at the ground where he staked his claim as one of the all-time greats evoked the fantasy of seeing him again in the Blaugrana shirt.
However, Laporta has been quick to pour cold water on the rumours.
He reminded the dreamers that it is impossible to bring back Messi, who has claimed many times that he would have loved to end his career in Spain.
Laporta said (via journalist Fabrizio Romano): “Messi’s return as a player is something just not realistic. As of now, he has a contract with Inter Miami.
“The club is building a project for the present and future. It’s complicated, and if you live in the past, you hardly move forward.
Considering Barcelona’s financial struggles over the past few years, a deal to bring him back would always face a massive stumbling block, even though fans wanted to believe otherwise.
Barca still plan to pay tribute to their greatest ever player, with Laporta mentioning the construction of a statue at the Camp Nou.
Intriguingly, Messi will play a crucial role in the Barca presidency race after club legend Xavi Hernandez clearly took sides with opposition figure Victor Font.
Messi’s relationship with Laporta could sway votes in his favour during the upcoming election. Font previously accused Laporta of exploiting Messi to win the 2021 elections.
Laporta promised to do everything in his power to retain Messi before the election, but he subsequently signed for Paris Saint-Germain.
However, it is worth noting that despite Messi congratulating Laporta over the 2021 win, their relationship has reportedly grown frosty.
