News: Barca President Confirms Effort to Bring Messi Back

President Joan Laporta shared in detail for the first time the efforts made to return Lionel Messi to Barcelona in 2023, admitting the financial limitations that prevented the transfer from succeeding.

Lionel Messi’s tearful farewell to Barcelona in 2021 remains an "unhealed scar" for Catalan fans. Recently, on the show 'Café d'Idees' on channel 2 CAT, Joan Laporta openly confronted the dramatic events surrounding the effort to reunite with the club’s greatest legend.

In 2023, the football world held its breath awaiting a grand "homecoming." However, instead of choosing Camp Nou, Messi moved to Inter Miami in the USA. Explaining this, Laporta admitted:

“At that time, there was an effort in 2023, but Messi chose Inter Miami for various reasons.”

He emphasized that “he made this decision, which deserves respect” and he did not want his comments to be seen as “a criticism”. Laporta explained that the club’s poor financial situation at that time was the biggest obstacle preventing the realization of millions of Cules’ dreams.

Looking back to 2021, when Messi was forced to leave for PSG, Laporta described their relationship at that time as “tense”. Although he firmly believed El Pulga genuinely wanted to stay, the financial figures on the balance sheet said "no."

“The environment didn’t oppose him going to PSG. It was a very attractive offer, but I’m convinced he wanted to stay. We tried, but Barca’s financial situation didn’t allow it.”

He also reflected on his own responsibility with a thoughtful statement: “I am sure in life you can always do more. Everything can be improved, even though the situation at that time was very bad.”

Despite past rifts, Laporta affirmed the undeniable bond between Messi and Barcelona: “Messi gave so much to Barca, and Barca also gave a lot to Messi.”

To honor the stature of the man he calls "the best in the world," the Barca president proposed:

“He is a legendary player, the best in the world, deserving a statue alongside Kubala and Cruyff. He deserves a tribute match, which unfortunately could not happen due to what transpired.”

Through these statements, Joan Laporta not only aims to calm public opinion but is also working to mend the relationship with the "soul" of the club, preparing for a fitting tribute when Camp Nou is fully renovated.