"We made a mistake and I want to make it right" - Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly made emotional promise to re-sign PSG superstar Lionel Messi
Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly made an emotional promise to re-sign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Laporta reportedly made a promise to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in September 2022. Here's what he said (via Barca Universal):
“Leo, you should not have left like that. We made a mistake and I want to make it right.”
Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati sensationally revealed that on July 1, 2023, Lionel Messi will return to his boyhood club as his contract with the Parisians expires.
1 de julio de 2023, Lionel #Messi será jugador del Barça.
Messi left the Catalan club in a way that no one expected. The club were debt-ridden and unable to renew his contract. Their all-time record goalscorer and club captain left with teary eyes, without a proper farewell from the fans who considered him divine.
The report states that Messi's entourage was not very happy with the circumstances under which the Argentine left and expected Barcelona to handle it in a much better way.
It was an emotional scene for fans around the world, even for the ones that weren't his ardent followers. Messi and Barca have been synonymous since the player made his debut for the club at age 16.
He built an incredible legacy, which perhaps will never be repeated. Laporta was also heartbroken to see their brightest jewel go away in such an unexpected fashion. He also apparently had made an emotional promise to Messi during his farewell that he would bring him to Camp Nou once his contract with PSG expired.
Messi and his family seem settled in Paris currently but have always considered Barcelona to be their forever home. Current manager Xavi, who is in regular touch with his former teammate, could play a massive role in bringing Messi to the Blaugrana.
Another factor which could influence Lionel Messi's return to the club are the departures of Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez on Lionel Messi's return
FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes his former teammate should be allowed to enjoy life at PSG for now. Xavi and Messi enjoyed huge success together at Barcelona.
While talking about Lionel Messi's potential return, here's what Xavi told the media in his press conference ahead of his side's match against Inter Milan in the Champions League:
"Leo's possible return? Let's see how it goes, but this is not the time to talk about Leo, we love him very much but we are not doing him a favor if we talk about it. We have to let him enjoy Paris now."