What did Laporta say about Messi's return to Barcelona?
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken about the possibility of Argentine star Lionel Messi returning to the Catalan club, more than three years after his controversial departure in the summer of 2021, confirming that the relationship between the two parties witnessed tension during that period but has since recovered some of its warmth . Laporta told the Spanish network 3 Cat : "We had a very good relationship with Messi, but when we didn't renew the contract, the relationship was damaged, then we restored it to some extent. What we hope is that he can receive the great recognition he deserves." Messi left Barcelona in August 2021 after the club failed to renew his contract due to the financial crisis the management was experiencing at the time, moving to Paris Saint-Germain before embarking on a new experience in the American League with Inter Miami in 2023 . Despite a potential new contract with his American club, talk in Spain of a symbolic return for Messi to Barcelona, perhaps in a friendly at Camp Nou after the renovation project is completed, would pay homage to his career as the club's greatest player and all-time top scorer . In another context, Laporta praised German coach Hansi Flick, who currently leads the first team, describing him as "a fighter similar to the actor Russell Crowe," noting that he is "a great coach and very sensitive to the players." The Barcelona president concluded his statements by emphasizing that the club continues to work to regain its continental standing, adding : "I love Barcelona very much, and when I went through difficult moments, I felt the need to save the situation. The Barcelona president must be honest and put the club's interests above all else."
