Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta has expressed skepticism regarding Lionel Messi’s potential return to the club, deeming such a possibility unrealistic despite the Argentine’s recent visit to Camp Nou, where he spent 21 illustrious years. Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, visited the renovated stadium and voiced his desire to return to the club one day.
The Argentine footballer, who joined Barcelona’s youth academy at just 13 years old, became the club’s all-time leading scorer, netting 672 goals in 778 appearances. He left Barca in 2021 due to financial constraints that made it impossible for the club to renew his contract. During his time at Barcelona, Messi achieved numerous accolades, including 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions League championships, and three Club World Cups.
At 38 years old, Messi has firmly established himself in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, having extended his contract in October and suggesting it is likely to be his final playing stop. Laporta mentioned that the club is keen to honor Messi with a tribute at the Camp Nou once renovations are fully completed and the stadium’s capacity is expanded to 105,000.
The excitement surrounding Messi’s legacy is echoed across various discussions, especially as he aims to inspire future generations of soccer fans and players. His remarkable career is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, transcending beyond his club allegiances. The hope remains that Messi’s profound influence will continue to bolster the profile of soccer, not only in Europe but also in the growing soccer community within the United States.