The dream has come true for Barca supporters! FC Barcelona football club president Joan Laporta said on Wednesday that “speculating” about the potential return of Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi as a player was not “realistic”.
In an interview with Radio Catalunya, Laporta, when asked about Lionel Messi’s mysterious message following his impromptu and surprise visit to Camp Nou on Sunday, repeated that he wanted to hold a “tribute” to the Argentine genius, but that Barcelona supporters should not hope in vain for the return of their idol.
“Things didn’t end the way we wanted. If this tribute can rectify what hasn’t been done, I think that would be a good thing. But with the enormous respect I have for Messi, for all the professionals at the club, and the socios, I believe that speculating (about his possible return as a player) is not realistic,” he explained.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who was reluctant to leave his training club for financial reasons in 2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain, said on Instagram on Sunday that he wanted to “return” to Camp Nou, “and not just say goodbye as a player”.
He has also reiterated his desire to return to stay at Barcelona in an interview with daily Sport on Tuesday, following a surprise visit to the legendary Catalan stadium, which is still under construction.
“I didn’t know he was coming, but Spotify Camp Nou is his home. I think it’s a spontaneous and fun little initiative,” said Laporta.
The Blaugrana president assured that the club is “working” for Messi to “receive the most beautiful honor in the world” once the work at Camp Nou is completed, in front of “105,000 spectators”.
