Softfootball understands that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on the growing whispers about Lionel Messi making a sensational return to the Camp Nou as a player. Speaking in a fresh interview with Catalunya Radio, as revealed by sports expert Fabrizio Romano in a post made via his official X account.
Laporta made it clear that a comeback is not realistic, mainly because Messi still has an active and important contract with Inter Miami. His firm stance comes only weeks after Messi’s emotional, unannounced visit to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, a moment that instantly reignited hope among fans dreaming of one more dance in Barça colours.
Fabrizio tweeted:
Barça president Laporta: Leo 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.
Laporta, however, urged everyone to stop living in nostalgia and focus on what the club is building right now. He praised Messi repeatedly, calling him a legend, an icon, practically the heartbeat of the club’s modern history. But he also mentioned that giving people false hope wouldn’t just be irresponsible and unfair to both Barcelona and Inter Miami fans.
Messi, who emotionally departed Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s messy financial situation, has since extended his stay at Inter Miami, where he’s still playing at an elite level. At 38, he has hinted a couple of times that his MLS chapter might be his last as a professional footballer, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like that’s the truth.
Even though a playing return is off the table, Laporta did confirm something fans will hold on to, the club is preparing a massive tribute match for Messi once the Camp Nou renovation is fully done. However, the club will be partially opened, with Barcelona receiving all the necessary approval to host their next fixture against Athletic Club in the venue.
Once completed, the new stadium, expected to host more than 105,000 fans, will stage a special event to honour the man who delivered 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues, seven Ballon d’Ors, and a lifetime of memories. A farewell worthy of the greatest to ever wear the Blaugrana shirt.
