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Laporta Rules Out Messi Playing Return to Barcelona, Plans Tribute After Camp Nou Renovation

Messi remains committed to Inter Miami under a deal running through the 2028 MLS season.

Overview

  • Barcelona's president said a competitive comeback is not feasible now and urged against unrealistic expectations.
  • Messi made an unannounced visit to the renovating Camp Nou this week and later expressed a wish to return to bid a proper farewell.
  • Laporta said the club intends to stage a testimonial once the stadium work finishes, targeting a 105,000-capacity setting.
  • The visit, undertaken with Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul, was Messi’s first time back at the stadium since his 2021 departure.
  • Messi spent 17 first-team seasons at Barcelona, scoring 672 goals and winning 34 trophies before moves to Paris Saint‑Germain in 2021 and Inter Miami in 2023.