Joan Laporta opens door to Messi return to Barcelona

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By Martin Graham | 16th May 2022

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened the door for Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona.

The 34-year-old was the biggest casualty of the budget cuts at Barcelona when Laporta assumed the role of President in the summer.

Messi had been the most expensive asset of Barcelona for the past few years under former president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Following the revelation that Barcelona were in a financial mess, cuts were necessary and the club ended up losing Messi.

The seven-time Ballon d’or winner moved to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain, signing a two year contract at the ten-time French Ligue 1 champions. However, his struggles in his first season have sparked rumours of a return to the club on many occasions.

Laporta has been asked on a few occasions if he regrets letting go of the Argentine and if the club will consider Messi’s return in the near future. The Spanish businessman was adamant about closing the door to Messi and moving the club forward in the post-Messi era.

“Messi’s departure? It was the hardest decision I made. I didn’t want to make the decision. Messi is the best player in history, but that was our situation,” the Barcelona president said at the time.

“But Barcelona’s history continues, and with hard work and correct decisions we can return to the path of success. That’s what we’re doing.”

But in a recent interview, Laporta has opened that door which many considered shut. He was speaking with Deportes Cuatro when the question was asked, and he replied, “Yes, of course I’d like it.”

Messi’s father chips in on son’s return to Barcelona

Jorge Messi, the forward’s father, also spoke about his son’s return to Barcelona in the future with hope that he chooses to have one last dance at the club.

Messi, however, has stated that he will remain at PSG to fulfill his two-year contract with the Parisiens. He has already lifted his first title at the club and his first title at a club that is not Barcelona.

He has scored six goals and provided 13 assists in the league this season from 25 league games. In 33 appearances in all competitions, he has scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists. While these numbers are not bad for any average forward, it has created a lot of buzz in the media because Messi is held to a much higher standard than most.

However, a return for Messi in the near future will mean a very drastic drop in his salary and it remains to be seen if the Argentine will be willing to consider Barcelona after his PSG adventure.