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Laporta Rules Out Messi Playing Return After Surprise Camp Nou Visit

He says Barcelona will prepare a formal tribute at the rebuilt stadium to give Messi a proper farewell.

Overview

  • Joan Laporta told Catalunya Ràdio it is not realistic to discuss Lionel Messi returning as a player, rejecting speculation about a short-term loan.
  • The Barcelona president said he was unaware of Messi’s visit, describing it as a spontaneous act of barcelonismo and stressing that Messi is always welcome.
  • Laporta confirmed the club is working on a major homage once the renovated Spotify Camp Nou opens, with a planned capacity of about 105,000.
  • He reiterated he does not regret the 2021 exit, saying the club is above any individual and that past decisions reflected institutional constraints.
  • Messi’s social posts and a Sport interview expressed that he and his family miss Barcelona and want to return to live there, as fan excitement grew with viral footage from his visit.