Barcelona chief Joan Laporta gives his verdict on 'Lionel Messi return'

Joan Laporta claims he has spoken to the Argentine superstar about his return to Barcelona

Barcelona have pledged that they "will do everything we can" to sign Lionel Messi back to their roster this summer, according to Joan Laporta.

The erratic Argentine attacker left Camp Nou in 2021 because he was unable to sign a new deal due to financial issues. The 35-year-old has spent the previous two years in France with Paris Saint-Germain, but his contract there is now approaching the end and he will be free to go.

Before they can finalize a magnificent contract with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Barca must overcome several obstacles, but Laporta has committed to do all in his power to fulfill the hopes of his ecstatic fans.

After witnessing the Blaugrana win the La Liga championship on Sunday, Laporta said to Jijantes: “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona.”

Rafa Yuste, vice president, added in a chat with Carrusel that: “Messi? He’s a very good friend of many guys who are celebrating La Liga today… I’m sure he is so happy! I would love Messi to come back.”

Laporta said he had spoken to the Argentine to RAC1 after the joyous celebrations in Catalunya. On Monday, the Barca president remarked.

"I spoke with Messi recently, we have a relationship with him. Messi is the best player in the world and any coach would want him in his team. He had some unpleasant incidents with the fans in Paris, I won't disturb him right now. We exchanges some messages recently. Barca is Messi's home and Barça can compete with Saudi Arabia and everyone."

“Xavi has been decisive. Apart from his knowledge of football, he has knowledge of the institution, of the style,” he added. “He has worked hard so that we can offer quality football. He has been decisive. He deserves congratulations. We have a great coach. We are very happy.

Messi's deep emotional links to Camp Nou might be advantageous to Barcelona as they want to bolster the squad that Xavi has built that has achieved domestic success this season. Barcelona will have to ward off competing interests from the Middle East and MLS in order to secure a contract for Messi.