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Rabat – Barcelona president Joan Laporta has commented on Lionel Messi’s recent visit to Camp Nou, saying he was happy to see the Argentine legend back at the stadium but denies speculation about a possible return.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Laporta commented: “I was happy to see Messi again at Camp Nou, but no, we did not know he was coming. We love him, this is his home, and he knows that.” He added that Messi deserves “the greatest tribute in history,” but stressed that it is not the right time to imagine scenarios that are not realistic.
🚨 Laporta: “Despite how everything happened with Leo Messi’s departure, I have no regrets”.
“Barça is above anyone else. It’s not what we all wanted, but it was not possible in that moment”, told Catalunya Radio. pic.twitter.com/m2YVhD9dqR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 12, 2025
Laporta also reflected on Messi’s departure in 2021. At the time, Barcelona was facing severe financial problems, with debts exceeding €1 billion and strict salary limits imposed by La Liga.
The club’s debt had passed €1 billion, and La Liga’s strict salary cap rules meant they could not register Messi’s new deal without breaking regulations. Despite Messi agreeing to a pay cut, the club announced it was impossible to keep him.
As a result, Messi left Barcelona and signed with Paris Saint‑Germain, where he played two seasons before moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in 2023.
His departure marked the end of an era, as he had become Barcelona’s all‑time top scorer and led the team to four Champions League titles and ten La Liga trophies.
Laporta admitted: “Despite the circumstances of Messi’s departure, I do not regret anything. Barcelona is above everything. It was not what we all wanted, but it was not possible at that time.”
The Barcelona president also gave an update on the renovation of Camp Nou.
He said construction is progressing well, with the third tier of stands and VIP boxes expected to be ready by the start of next season. The stadium will soon be able to host 27,000 fans again, marking an important step in the club’s financial recovery.
Messi’s visit has reignited emotions among Barcelona supporters, causing many fans to hope to see him play once more in the Catalan shirt.
While Laporta ruled out speculation about a comeback, he confirmed that the club plans to honor Messi with a tribute worthy of his status as Barcelona’s greatest player.
