Barcelona have reignited hopes of a dramatic reunion with Lionel Messi after club president Joan Laporta publicly committed to giving the Argentine icon a “spectacular” return when the moment is right. According to FootballTransfers, Laporta has reaffirmed that Messi will receive the tribute he never received upon his departure — a development that has sparked fresh speculation over whether the Inter Miami star could play again for the Blaugrana.
Messi’s exit in 2021 remains one of the most turbulent episodes in Barcelona’s recent history. Despite holding the club’s all-time records for goals, assists and appearances, he never received a proper Camp Nou farewell due to the club’s financial crisis at the time. His move to PSG — followed by his eventual switch to Inter Miami — left a strained relationship between him and Laporta.
During a recent event hosted by La Vanguardia, Laporta pledged to correct that chapter of club history. “When the time comes, we want to give him the most beautiful tribute ever seen,” he said. “For the greatest player in the history of football and of Barça.” He also revealed plans for a statue honouring Messi — alongside Blaugrana legends such as Kubala, Cruyff and Ronaldinho — as part of the club’s ongoing legacy projects.
Messi, now thriving in MLS with Inter Miami and recently surpassing football’s all-time assist record, has reiterated his intention to return to Barcelona when his playing career concludes. But Laporta’s remarks have opened the door to wider interpretation: could Barcelona attempt a symbolic final-season return before Messi retires, rather than a post-playing tribute?
Sources around the club note that, although Barcelona’s financial situation remains delicate, Laporta is exploring ways to mend the relationship. The political impact of repairing ties with Messi — both for supporters and for Laporta’s own long-term leadership ambitions — cannot be understated.
However, tension remains beneath the surface. Former Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre recently revealed on the Sports360 Podcast that Messi and his family are still “very angry” with Laporta. The fallout stems from Laporta’s comments made after the 2021 exit, including the suggestion that Messi could have stayed if he played for free — a claim Messi strongly denies.
Messi later explained that the club only asked him to reduce his wage, not to play without salary, insisting that he had already agreed to a 50% pay cut. “The president’s words were inappropriate,” he said at the time. “They hurt because they created doubts I don’t think I deserve.”
Despite this history, Laporta’s recent rhetoric suggests a renewed effort to rebuild trust. Barcelona insiders believe the club may look to bring Messi back into an ambassadorial or transitional playing role when his Inter Miami contract moves towards its conclusion. At present, Messi remains committed to Miami’s project, enjoying the competitive freedom and family stability the move has provided.
But a symbolic final chapter at Barcelona remains appealing for many involved — not least the supporters who never saw him receive a proper send-off. With the renovated Camp Nou nearing completion and elections on the horizon, Laporta understands the unifying power of a Messi return better than anyone.
Whether a short-term playing comeback is feasible remains unclear, but the timing of Laporta’s comments is notable. Messi will turn 39 in 2026, and if a final European swansong were ever to materialise, Barcelona would be the only destination. For now, the club insists that no negotiations are underway — but the sentiment from both sides has shifted.
After years of fractured communication, Barcelona and Messi may finally be moving back towards each other. And with Laporta publicly declaring that the door is open, talk of a spectacular Barça return — once unthinkable — is now firmly back in the spotlight.