Barcelona president Joan Laporta says it is “unrealistic” that Lionel Messi will return to play for the club, but he plans to hold a tribute match for the record goalscorer.
Messi visited the Nou Camp last week and said he wants to come back to Barcelona, “not just to say goodbye as a player”.
The 37-year-old left the club in 2021 for Paris Saint-Germain after financial problems prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract.
He joined Inter Miami in 2023 and recently signed a deal until 2028.
Laporta said Messi’s exit was not the way anyone wanted, but the club hopes to honour him properly once renovations at the Nou Camp are completed.
Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, among many other trophies.
Source: BBC Sports
