Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed to do all he can to re-sign Lionel Messi next summer when the PSG star’s contract expires.
Messi, 35, exited the Nou Camp to join the French giants on a free transfer in 2021, calling an emotional end to his 21-year Barcelona career.
Laporta, who admitted he feels ‘indebted’ to the Argentine superstar, is set to do everything in his power to lure him back to the Catalan club next year.
Joan Laporta has vowed to do all he can to re-sign Barcelona legend Lionel Messi next summer
The Nou Camp chief feels ‘indebted’ to Messi after his 21-year career with the Spanish giant.
‘I feel indebted to Leo Messi,’ he said.
‘I would like him to end his career in a Barca shirt, and be applauded at all the stadiums.
‘I feel partially responsible for how things ended, and I feel that this is a temporary end and that we will make this dream a reality. At least that is the dream.’
It certainly was a bitter end for Messi at the Nou Camp, as he submitted a transfer request via burofax after Barca were thumped 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League back in 2020.
The Barcelona superstar scored 670 goals in 776 appearances before leaving for PSG in 2021
He pursued a move away all summer and was involved in tense talks with the club’s hierarchy as he insisted that his contract permitted him to leave on a free transfer – though after a legal battle Barca forced him to stay for another season, with the player claiming the club had broken promises to him.
It appeared Messi was set for a remarkable U-turn the following summer after agreeing to prolong his stay with his beloved Barca.
However, ongoing financial problems – worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic – prevented Barcelona from offering Messi anywhere close to his £500,000-a-week contract in 2021 – which prompted the forward to seek fresh pastures in France.
His Barcelona days came to an emotional end after forcing through a transfer from the club
Messi broke down in tears during his exit interview but could now be set for an equally emotional return in 2023 if Laporta is able to orchestrate a deal.
He notched 670 goals and 302 assists in 776 games during his two-decade spell with the LaLiga giants.
Barcelona have seemingly managed to turn their problematic financial situation around through TV rights sales this summer, splurging over £140million on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, Leeds winger Raphinha and Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.
