Joan Laporta has promised that Barcelona “will do everything we can” to bring Lionel Messi back onto the club’s books this summer.
- Argentine left Camp Nou in 2021
- Running down deal at PSG
- Could re-join La Liga title winners
WHAT HAPPENED? The mercurial Argentine forward departed Camp Nou in 2021 as financial difficulties made it impossible for him to be handed a new contract. The last two years have been spent in France with Paris Saint-Germain, but the 35-year-old’s deal there is now running down towards free agency. Barca have several hurdles to clear before they can put a stunning agreement in place for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, but Laporta has vowed to do everything in his power to make the dreams of excited supporters come true.
WHAT THEY SAID: Laporta told Jijantes after seeing the Blaugrana capture the 2022-23 La Liga title on Sunday: “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona.”
Vice-president Rafa Yuste added during a conversation with Carrusel: “Messi? He’s a very good friend of many guys who are celebrating La Liga today… I’m sure he is so happy! I would love Messi to come back.”
AND WHAT’S MORE: After the jubilant celebrations in Catalunya, Laporta spoke to RAC1 to reveal he had been in contact with the Argentine. The Barca president said on Monday: “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 Barça can compete with Saudi Arabia and everyone.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Barca have captured the Liga crown for the first time since 2018-19, when Messi was still on their books, and wild scenes of celebration were sparked in Catalunya on the back of a derby victory away at neighbours Espanyol. An on-field party had to be cut short as home supporters invaded the field at RCDE Stadium, but the fun continued in the dressing room – with Laporta soaked by jubilant players as he joined in the festivities.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? Barcelona will need to fend off rival interest from MLS and the Middle East in order to put a deal for Messi in place, but his strong emotional ties to Camp Nou could work in their favour as they seek to strengthen the squad that Xavi has guided to domestic glory this season.
