Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened the door for an emotional reunion with club legend Lionel Messi, revealing that their relationship, once strained after the Argentine’s shocking exit in 2021, is now improving.
Speaking recently, Laporta admitted that the bond between him and Messi suffered when Barcelona were unable to renew his contract due to financial constraints. The episode marked one of the most painful moments in the club’s modern history, as Messi departed in tears after more than two decades at Camp Nou, eventually joining Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
“With Leo Messi, we had a great relationship that got strained when we couldn’t renew his contract… but it’s improving again,” Laporta said. “We hope he can receive the great tribute he truly deserves.”
The remarks have reignited hopes among fans for a potential tribute match or a return of Messi to Barcelona in some official capacity. Laporta has long expressed his desire to celebrate the Argentine’s unparalleled legacy, six Ballon d’Or titles, over 670 goals, and countless records that defined an era.
