Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and current Inter Milan player, and all-time leading goalscorer for F.C. That time, he met in person while with the Argentina national team in Spain. This visit comes as Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, expressed a desire to return to the club where he spent 21 years of his career. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, shared his sentiments about the reunion, underscoring its emotional importance. He rejected talk of Messi coming back as a player as “unrealistic.”
Messi scored an astonishing 672 goals and made 778 appearances for FCB. 2021 was his last year in Barcelona – he left the club for Paris Saint-Germain. Fifteen titles at Barcelona was quite the haul during his time there. In his time leading the club, he collected 10 La Liga championships, four Champions League crowns, and three Club World Cups. Tears streamed down his face during his last press conference, marking the emotional farewell. He had, after all, built a passion that ran extremely deep with the club—having joined them at the age of 13.
During his final days in Barcelona, Messi shared his favorite memories at Camp Nou. He stated, “Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart. A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times like the happiest person in the world.” His emotional return led to further speculation from fans and club officials alike about a possible future partnership.
Laporta recognized Messi’s legacy at the club and mentioned plans to host a tribute match for the star. He commented, “It would be right that he has the best tribute [match] in the world, and it would be wonderful to have it here, in front of 105,000 fans.” He moderated hope concerning the prospect of Messi returning as an active player.
Outlining his stance, Laporta remarked, “Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, Barca, and the Barca club members, I believe that now, for me to make speculation that is unrealistic, nor do I think is fair, well, I believe that is not appropriate.” His remarks are the delicate balance of wanting to be respectful to Messi’s legacy while not having pie in the sky expectations.
Last October, Messi signed a new contract with Inter Miami. He had alluded in the past to the idea that this would probably be his final club. However, he did leave the door open for a return to Barcelona in some other capacity. He stated, “One day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do.”
