Barcelona President Joan Laporta dropped a huge update on Lionel Messi's return to the side, saying it "unrealistic." The rumors of Messi's return started circulating after the Argentine's surprise visit to the reconstructed Camp Nou, where he spent 21 years of his career.
Lionel Messi's impact at Barcelona
Messi joined Barcelona's youth academy as a 13-year-old. He became the club's icon, amassing 672 goals in 778 games. He left the side in 2021 when they failed to renew his contract because of financial difficulties.
Lionel Messi's desire to make a comeback at Barcelona
Messi, who now represents Inter Miami, visited the legendary stadium recently and expressed his wish to return there one day.
"I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do," the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had said.
Joan Laporta rules out Lionel Messi's return
However, Barcelona president, Joan Laporta ruled out the possibility of the return. He said:
"Out of respect to Messi, all the club staff and the club members, it's not right for me to speculate on something that would not be realistic, and it's not the moment to do it," Laporta told Catalunya Radio on Wednesday.
Messi had a legendary career with Barcelona and won 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League and three Club World Cups.
Messi, who moved to PSG on a free transfer after his exit from Barcelona, penned a new contract extension with Inter Miami in October and has previously hinted that he plans to retire with the club.
Barcelona plans grand tribute for Lionel Messi
Meanwhile, Laporta said that the club would love to give Lionel Messi a tribute at Camp Nou once the renovations, which will increase the stadium's capacity to 105,000, are done.