(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Messi’s Return to Barcelona ‘Unrealistic,’ Says Club President Joan Laporta
Nov 12, 2025
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has poured cold water on hopes of Lionel Messi making a return to the Catalan giants, calling the idea “unrealistic” despite the football legend’s recent visit to the club’s iconic Camp Nou stadium.
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The 38-year-old Argentine superstar surprised fans on Sunday night by appearing at Camp Nou, where he expressed his wish to return someday — not just for a farewell, but in a meaningful capacity with the club he spent over 20 years with.
“I hope one day I can return, not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do,” Messi said during his visit, sparking excitement among fans worldwide.
Laporta: “Speculation Isn’t Fair”
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Laporta clarified that while Messi will always be a part of Barcelona’s history, a playing return is not on the cards.
“Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, and our members, I believe it’s not fair or realistic to speculate on something that cannot happen right now,” he said.
Laporta, who was also president during Messi’s emotional exit in 2021, emphasized that while the decision to let him go was painful, it was necessary due to Barcelona’s financial struggles at the time.
“Barca is above everything,” Laporta said firmly, adding that he has no regrets about the events that led to Messi’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain four years ago.
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Plans for a Tribute Match
Despite ruling out a return as a player, Laporta expressed his desire to honor Messi with a grand tribute match once the newly renovated Camp Nou is fully reopened.
“Things didn’t end the way we wanted,” Laporta admitted. “If a tribute can help make up for that, it would be the right thing to do. Messi deserves the biggest farewell match in the world, in front of 105,000 fans.”
He added that Messi’s surprise visit to the stadium was completely spontaneous, a reflection of the deep bond he still shares with the club where he became an icon.
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Messi’s Current Focus
Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), is currently in Spain with the Argentina national team, where they are training ahead of an upcoming friendly match against Angola.
The visit to Barcelona has reignited emotions among fans who still hope to see their hero wear the famous Blaugrana colors again — even if only for one final farewell.
