Messi’s departure from FC Barcelona in August 2021 was one of the most significant events in the club’s recent history. While his departure was going to hurt Barcelona whatsoever, the way he departed without being able to say goodbye to the fans or the club properly recognizing his services left Cules even more disappointed with the club administration.
Ever since his departure, there have been rumors of Messi rejoining the Catalan club to bid farewell to the fans. As already reported here, the Sporting Director of Barcelona, Deco, recently confirmed that Barcelona will hold a farewell ceremony for one of their biggest legends.
Laporta hints at two dates for Messi’s farewell
However, Deco did not give a definite date for such an event. Now, as SPORT has reported, the club President, Joan Laporta, has also acknowledged that his administration is in talks with Messi’s entourage to find a time suitable for both parties to hold such an event.
Laporta hinted at two possible dates for such an event:
“It would be fantastic if Messi could be present at the Camp Nou’s premiere. It has been discussed, and if it were in June 2026, it would be when the Spotify Camp Nou is finished. We will be returning in November 2024, and that could also be an important date. Let’s see. We would like it, and I hope it can happen.”
Messi not coming this winter
While Laporta’s comments about Messi’s farewell would have cheered Barcelona fans, he went to rule out any possibility of Lionel Messi joining the Blaugranes in the winter window on a loan, as has been speculated lately because of his team’s elimination from the MLS playoffs:
“We proposed his return for the beginning of this season. He told us his thoughts and made a decision. He didn’t want to endure the pressure of Paris for another year and preferred to go to Inter Miami. We respect his decision. We hold him in high regard and told him that we would organize a tribute for him.”
Thus, while Messi can return to Barcelona to play in an unofficial farewell match, he is not expected to represent Barcelona officially for anytime soon now. However, his career is far from an end, and it remains to be seen where life takes him from Inter Miami.
