One man’s presence makes it ‘impossible’ for Lionel Messi to return | OneFootball

The continued presence of one specific individual in the boardroom at La Liga giants Barcelona makes a return for Lionel Messi all but impossible.

That’s according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who points towards Joan Laporta as the individual in question.

Laporta, of course, was the man at the helm at Barcelona upon Lionel Messi’s legendary stint with the club being brought to an end back in 2021.

After it looked nailed on that the Argentine would renew, the long-discussed financial problems at the Camp Nou saw the Blaugrana revoke their contract proposal.

Messi, in turn, departed for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

The man ultimately responsible for this decision was the aforementioned Joan Laporta, the club’s president both then, and now.

And it is the Spaniard’s presence which is expected to prove an insurmountable obstacle when it comes to a potential Messi return to Catalunya’s capital.

Recent days have of course seen the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner tipped for what would be a shock Barcelona reunion.

As per the aforementioned Guillem Balague, however:

‘Messi has got no intention to return to Barcelona. I would say it is impossible while Laporta is in charge. Quite likely, Inter Miami will convince him to remain at the club.’

Conor Laird – GSFN