Speculation about Lionel Messi‘s possible return to FC Barcelona has been shut down by his biographer, Guillem Balagué, who blames Barcelona’s current president, Joan Laporta, for the unlikelihood of a comeback. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is actively working on extending Messi’s contract, focusing on keeping him in the United States until at least 2026.
Messi’s Love for Barcelona
Messi and Barcelona have long had a close relationship. For the Argentine icon and his followers around the world, his departure in 2021 was a heartbreaking event. Rumors of his possible comeback have been circulating ever since. When journalist Alex Candal recently revealed that Messi desired to perform at the redesigned Spotify Camp Nou prior to retirement, it gave rise to fresh optimism.
According to Candal, who was the first to report on Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021, Messi stated that he “cannot retire without playing at Camp Nou first.” Barcelona fans were thrilled by this statement, which stoked their hopes of seeing Messi in the recognizable blaugrana jersey once more.
Biographer’s Firm Denial
Guillem Balagué, Messi’s biographer, swiftly refuted these rumors, though. Balagué wrote on social media that Messi has no plans to go back to Barcelona. As long as Laporta is in charge, I would say it is not feasible. This unambiguous comment suggests that Messi and the Barcelona board, especially Laporta, do not get along well.
Messi’s departure in 2021 was not a straightforward process, Balagué underlined. After weeks of uncertainty and unfulfilled promises from Laporta, Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain. Messi and supporters were upset when the Argentine superstar’s hopes for a contract extension that suited Barcelona’s financial circumstances fell through.
Why Is Laporta to Blame?
The conflict between Messi and Laporta reportedly started in the summer of 2021. Laporta gave Messi the assurance that a contract extension was possible at that period. However, the transfer could not be completed because of Barcelona’s severe financial circumstances and La Liga‘s stringent economic requirements. In the public blame-sharing that followed Messi’s exit, Laporta blamed LaLiga’s rules.
Messi might not think about returning to Barcelona under the current management, and this strained connection seems to be a major contributing factor. Balagué’s remarks make it apparent that Messi’s chances of playing official minutes at Camp Nou again are low unless the club’s leadership changes.
Inter Miami’s Plan to Keep Messi
Barcelona supporters may be discouraged, but Inter Miami is acting decisively to ensure Messi’s future. The goal of Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is to extend Messi’s contract before it expires at the end of the 2025 campaign. The intention is to retain Messi as a key member of the team until the United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup.
Major League football’s visibility has already increased as a result of Messi’s participation. He has contributed significantly to Inter Miami’s development both on and off the field. With events like the MLS, League Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, and Club World Cup coming up, the team is also getting ready for a demanding season.
What Does the Future Hold?
A competitive return to Barcelona appears improbable at this time. Fans might still view Messi at Camp Nou, though, in a different light. There may be a chance to honor Messi’s legacy at Barcelona with a last game or a friendly tournament like the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Inter Miami’s attempts to extend Messi’s contract are still the major focus as of right now. Messi’s tale at Camp Nou might only live on in recollections and ceremonial visits unless there is a significant change in Barcelona’s leadership or situation. Inter Miami, meanwhile, intends to retain the Argentine icon as their team’s and Major League Soccer’s spokesperson for some time to come.
