“We will do everything we can” — Barcelona president Joan Laporta talks up Lionel Messi return
Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the club “will do everything we can” to try and bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou this summer.
Messi, 35, left Barcelona in 2021 after financial complications prevented him from extending his contract at the club. He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, but his time in the French capital appears to be nearing an end.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was recently jeered by PSG fans after returning to action following his suspension for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. Christophe Galtier’s men dismantled Ajaccio 5-0 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, but the booing of Messi dominated the narrative.
PSG have the option of extending Messi’s contract in the summer by a further year, but a parting of company after two seasons appears to be the more realistic outcome between both parties, opening the door for the Argentine to make a stunning return to Catalonia.
It’s a transfer that would still require huge financial gymnastics to make feasible, but Barca president Laporta has revealed he is prepared to move heaven and earth to try and facilitate a reunion between the two.
Discussing the transfer rumour after Barcelona secured a first La Liga title in four years at their fierce rivals Espanyol on Sunday, Laporta told Jijantes: “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona.”
In another conversation with RAC1, Laporta admitted he has already been in touch with Messi. He said: “I spoke with Messi recently, we have a relationship with him.”
“Messi is the best player in the world and any coach would want him in his team.
“He had sone unpleasant incidents with the fans in Paris, I won’t disturb him right now. We exchanges some messages recently.
“Barca is Messi’s home and Barca can compete with Saudi Arabia and everyone.”
