Barcelona president: Lionel Messi return to Barcelona unrealistic

By SABC Sport
12th November 2025

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has ruled out the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club as a player, describing such speculation as "unrealistic."

The statement comes after the Inter Miami forward made a surprise visit to Camp Nou earlier this week, sparking excitement among fans.

Messi, 38, who spent over 20 years at Barcelona and 17 seasons in the first team, arrived at the stadium unannounced alongside teammate Rodrigo de Paul. He shared images of the visit on social media, expressing his hope to "return for the goodbye I never got to say as a player."

Despite the forward's enthusiasm, Laporta emphasized that a competitive return is not on the cards. Speaking to Catalunya Radio, he said, "Out of the utmost respect for Messi and everyone at the club, to feed speculation that is not realistic is not appropriate." The president, who oversaw Messi's departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 due to financial constraints, acknowledged that the way Messi left was not ideal but maintained that the club's interests came first.

Laporta was, however, moved by Messi's spontaneous gesture and hopes it will pave the way for a proper tribute once Camp Nou's renovation is complete. "It would be right that Leo has the most beautiful tribute in the world," he said. "When the stadium is finished, with a capacity of 105,000 fans, we want to celebrate his career in front of all the supporters."

During his time at Barcelona, Messi scored a record 672 goals in 778 appearances and won 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. After leaving for PSG in 2021, he joined Inter Miami in 2023 and recently extended his contract until 2028, making a return to Barcelona as a player highly unlikely.

Currently in Spain with the Argentina national team ahead of a friendly against Angola, Messi's brief Camp Nou visit was a reminder of his enduring connection to the club and the city. While fans may not see him don the Barcelona shirt again, Laporta's plans for a tribute match aim to honor the legendary career of one of football's greatest icons.