Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently admitted meeting with Lionel Messi’s father, sparking speculation about the Argentine sensation’s possible return to the Camp Nou.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a return to Camp Nou since his departure in 2021.
90min recently revealed that Barça are confident of bringing Messi back to the club, despite the fact that he wants to stay in Europe despite interest from Inter Miami.
In a new interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta revealed that he has spoken with Messi’s father in recent months, but only about a possible tribute match for the Argentine.
“We have seen each other,” Laporta confirmed. “I congratulated him on Argentina [winning the World Cup].
“We are talking about the tribute to Leo, who has extraordinary affection for Barça. I do not want to speak out of respect for the player, who is playing for PSG. The Leo thing is not about money, we are talking about a tribute.”
Messi departed Barcelona in 2021 as they were unable to register his new contract due to financial restrictions, with Laporta admitting he had to put the state of the club first.
“I had to make that decision. The institution is above everyone…I have a sad feeling. I had to choose and I chose the institution. In Paris, we exchanged glances,” he added.