Laporta insists no insult seeing Messi at Nou Camp; shuts down Barcelona return rumours

Posted Thursday, November 13, 2025 by tribalfootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists he was happy seeing Lionel Messi at the newly renovated Nou Camp this week.

The former Barca captain released photos of himself at the Nou Camp on Sunday night, while the Blaugrana was winning at Celta Vigo. He visited the stadium without notifying anyone connected to the club.

Messi, now with Inter Miami, also left a message with the pics, stating: "Last night I returned to a place that I miss with my soul.

"A place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never could..."

Asked about Messi's surprise appearance, Laporta said on Radio Cataluyna today: "I received it well. It was a spontaneous act of his Barcelona fans. I didn't know it, but it's his house.

"He was with friends, walking, he just had dinner and spontaneously went too far. I didn't send him any messages. It is a correct relationship. He's playing in Inter Miami. He knows that he is loved and considered what he is and that he will always be welcome. It is only fair that he has the best tribute in the world. It would be wonderful to have his tribute here, before 105,000 followers."

On Messi's departure, Laporta continued: "I do not regret it. Bar7a is above everything. It could not be. But if the tribute helps, then fantastic."

On re-signing Messi in January, the president concluded: "Out of the utmost respect for Messi, for the club's professionals... I would not make unrealistic speculation. It does not correspond."