Messi not returning to Barcelona: Laporta has no regrets over how he left

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has finally broken his silence on Lionel Messi's emotional return to Camp Nou, and his words reveal everything.

When Lionel Messi made a surprise visit to Barcelona and the Spotify Camp Nou just days ago, social media exploded with emotion. It was the first time the Argentine legend had stepped on the sacred turf since his heartbreaking departure in 2021. But nobody knew the full story until now.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has now confirmed what many suspected: Messi's return to Barcelona was completely unannounced. In a candid interview given to Catalunya Radio, Laporta cleared the air about whether club officials had advance notice of the visit.

"I was glad to see Messi back at the Camp Nou, but no, we didn't know he was coming. We love him. This is his home, and he knows it. I think he deserves the best farewell in history," Laporta stated.

The spontaneous nature of the visit made it even more special, proving that Messi's love for Barcelona remains as strong as ever, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his exit. He didn't make it a big PR event at all.

The conversation inevitably turned to that devastating summer of 2021 when Barcelona was forced to let their greatest player walk away. Laporta, who was elected president just months before Messi's departure, stood firm in defending the decision.

"Despite how everything happened with Leo Messi's departure, I have no regrets. Barça is above anyone else. It's not what we all wanted, but it was not possible at that moment," the president explained.

His words acknowledge the painful reality Barcelona faced: financial constraints and La Liga regulations made keeping Messi impossible, no matter how much everyone wanted him to stay.

With speculation immediately swirling about a potential short term loan for Messi to return to Barcelona and properly close his story, Laporta was asked directly about the possibility. His response was respectful but realistic.

"Out of respect for Messi, our players, and our members, it's not the time to speculate with unrealistic scenarios."

While the answer disappointed some fans hoping for a fairytale ending, Laporta's measured approach shows respect for everyone involved, including Messi's current commitments at Inter Miami.

Perhaps the most exciting revelation from Laporta came when discussing Barcelona's plans to honor their legendary number 10. The club president made it clear that something extraordinary is being prepared.

"It's only fair that Lionel receives the greatest tribute in the world. Once the works are finished, the capacity will reach 105,000 spectators, which is what we want," Laporta revealed.

He continued, "We are working on the tribute and on delivering the best football in the world, and as part of the tribute, we want to give Messi the appreciation he deserves."

This means when the renovated Spotify Camp Nou reaches its expanded 105,000 capacity, Barcelona plans to fill every seat for a tribute befitting the greatest player in club history.

Laporta's words perfectly capture the essence of Messi's relationship with Barcelona. Despite the messy departure, despite the years apart, and despite the impossibility of a permanent return right now, the bond remains unbreakable.

"We love him. This is his home, and he knows it."

And Messi's surprise return to Barcelona proved he knows it too. While a playing comeback might be unrealistic, the emotional connection between the player and the club will last forever. When that historic tribute finally happens at the expanded Camp Nou, the world will witness football's greatest love story celebrate its hero properly.

For now, Barcelona fans can take comfort knowing their president understands what Messi means to the club and is planning something truly special to honor his legacy.