Barcelona legend has no intention of returning as long as Laporta is in charge – report

A recent update provided by Guillem Balague has stated that Lionel Messi has no plans to return to Barcelona. He mentions that the possibility of a comeback is completely ruled out as long as Joan Laporta remains in charge of the club.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the season, but all signs point to the Argentine legend continuing his career in the United States. 

The MLS side is expected to present a convincing case for him to stay, especially given the environment he has built around himself in Miami.

Recent speculation

Recently, speculation surfaced that Messi was keen on returning to Barcelona, particularly to play in the club’s newly renovated stadium. 

Some reports even suggested that Barcelona were already exploring ways to bring him back in the summer. 

However, Balague has now dismissed these claims, making it clear that Laporta’s presence remains a major roadblock to any potential reunion.

The strained relationship

Lionel Messi will not return to Barcelona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Looking back, Laporta’s handling of Messi’s exit in 2021 played a huge role in damaging their relationship. 

After winning the club’s presidential elections that year, Laporta had initially planned to renew Messi’s contract and make the deal official by August. 

However, complications arose due to financial constraints, pressure from La Liga, Real Madrid, and Barcelona’s refusal to sign the CVC investment deal. 

This led to Messi’s shocking departure, a move that left a lasting rift between the club and its greatest-ever player.

Messi likes it in the USA

Since then, Messi has settled in the United States, where he has found an ideal setting to expand his brand and remain the face of Major League Soccer. 

Miami offers him both a comfortable lifestyle and familiar faces, as he shares the dressing room with long-time friends and former Barcelona teammates—Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. 

Given this environment, all indications suggest that Messi will see out his contract, which runs until the end of the 2025 season, and extend his stay rather than consider a return to Barcelona.