Barcelona and Lionel Messi were a match made in heaven. The Spanish giants took a chance on a young Messi when no one else would. If the tales are anything to go by, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner signed an agreement with Barcelona as a 12-year-old on a paper napkin.
The Spanish giants were above and beyond to help Messi make his dream come true. Ultimately, Messi repaid their faith in him by becoming arguably the greatest player in the club’s history, breaking numerous records as he cemented his place as a legend of the club.
The heaven-made union was broken in the summer of 2021 when Barcelona couldn’t reach an agreement with the seven times Ballon d’Or winner on a new deal following the expiration of his contract. The Argentine star left the club for PSG on a free transfer, but the possibility of a reunion with his boyhood club never went away, until recently.
Barcelona President on Lionel Messi’s Return
Barcelona tried all they could to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou on a free transfer after his contract with the French giants was over. Jorge Messi, the player’s father, and agent, held several meetings with Barcelona president Joan Laporta over a potential return to Camp Nou. Messi was reportedly ready to rejoin the club, but due to some strains in the club’s finances, the real reason Messi left in the first place, an agreement could not be reached.
Laporta: “Messi playing again for Barça one day? It’s more difficult now so you should ask Leo… we all wanted to make it happen but was not possible”. 🔵🔴
“He’s always gonna be in top form, but I can’t expose myself by saying that he will play for Barça again”, told MD. pic.twitter.com/dzgL4aDH1F
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2023
Messi ultimately joined Inter Miami CF in the MLS, and Laporta has now broken his silence on the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona in the near future. Speaking to MD, as shared by Fabrizio Romano, the president said, “Messi playing again for Barca one day? It’s more difficult now, so you should ask Leo. We all wanted to make it happen, but it was not possible. He’s always going to be in top form, but I can’t expose myself by saying he will play Barca again.”
Inter Miami has since snapped up two of Messi’s former teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, from Barcelona to link up again in the MLS.
Lionel Messi’s Official Inter Miami Announcement Details
Lionel Messi will be presented to fans of Inter Miami at an unveiling ceremony on Sunday. One of the most significant unveilings in Major League Soccer history will be held at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium, which has a capacity of 18,000.
LIONEL MESSI HAS ARRIVED IN SOUTH FLORIDA TO MAKE HIS INTER MIAMI MOVE OFFICIAL ☀️
(via @SC_ESPN) pic.twitter.com/lgpKN3XeGN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 11, 2023
The Argentine has landed in South Florida with his family ahead of this unveiling ceremony that could also be aired live at half-time of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final on Sunday.
Do you see Messi returning to Barcelona someday soon? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.
