Laporta Welcomes Messi’s Surprise Camp Nou Visit, Plans Grand Tribute, Rules Out Playing Return

Overview

• Barcelona’s president said he learned of Messi’s visit only after the fact and described it as an expression of the player’s barcelonismo.
• Laporta said Messi is always welcome and vowed the “biggest homage,” potentially in front of about 105,000 fans once Camp Nou events resume.
• He dismissed a sporting comeback as not realistic, pushing back on fresh chatter about temporary arrangements that some outlets have speculated could enable a short loan.
• Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, posted a nostalgic message saying he hopes to return to Barcelona one day and finally bid farewell on the field.
• Addressing a separate issue, Laporta said Lamine Yamal has pubalgia, that Barcelona informed Spain in due time, and that the club is managing his recovery to protect his development.