BARCELONA: Barcelona president Joan Laporta has finally put an end to weeks of speculation by declaring Lionel Messi’s return to the club as “unrealistic.” His statement has disappointed millions of fans who were hoping to see the football legend wear the iconic Blaugrana shirt once again.
Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami CF, had recently rekindled nostalgia among fans after an emotional post recalling his unforgettable years at Camp Nou. “Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my heart… I hope that one day I can return,” Messi had written, sparking rumours of a possible comeback.
However, Laporta was quick to dismiss the idea, saying it would be unfair to create false hopes. “Out of respect for Messi, for the professionals at the club and for Barcelona itself, I don’t think it’s appropriate to speculate about something that is unrealistic,” he said in an interview.
The Barcelona chief also reflected on the Argentine maestro’s painful exit in 2021 — a decision forced by financial turmoil that gripped the club. While acknowledging that the departure “wasn’t ideal,” Laporta maintained that “Barça will always come first.”
Despite shutting down the idea of Messi’s playing return, Laporta hinted at a future tribute to honour the club’s greatest ever player once the stadium reopens to full capacity. “He deserves the grandest farewell football has ever seen,” he added.
For fans across the world, the remarks serve as both closure and heartbreak — a reminder that Messi’s glorious chapter at Barcelona may have truly come to an end. Yet, the legacy of the man who defined an era of football brilliance remains timeless.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.