Laporta Promises To Bring Messi Back To Barcelona

Barcelona's president Joan Laporta expressed his determination on Monday to make every effort to bring Argentine football icon Lionel Messi back to the club in the upcoming transfer window.

With Messi's contract set to expire at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer, Barcelona, the newly crowned LaLiga champions, are eager to reacquire their record-breaking top goalscorer, despite the lure of strong interest from Saudi Arabia.

Since leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi has experienced two lacklustre seasons at PSG after a glorious era with the Catalan club, where he amassed four Champions League titles and 10 LaLiga championships, becoming an adored figure among the fans.

Laporta acknowledged the strained relationship between him and Messi since the departure but emphasized his commitment to rebuilding their bond.

In a recent conversation with Catalan regional public television station TV3, Laporta revealed, "I have spoken to Leo to somehow redirect a situation that occurred, in which I had to put the club ahead of everything, even him, who is the best player in the world."

He described the conversation as affectionate and pleasant, highlighting that they have been exchanging messages lately, including his congratulatory message to Messi on the World Cup.

Shortly after Barcelona's 4-2 victory against Espanyol, securing the LaLiga title, Laporta expressed his determination to sign Messi during a Twitch stream, declaring, "We will do everything possible."

However, during his TV3 interview, Laporta took a more cautious approach, acknowledging that Messi is currently a PSG player and suggesting that they should wait until the end of the season to discuss the matter more calmly.

Recent reports have suggested that a move to Saudi Arabia was a "done deal" for Messi, with sources close to negotiations claiming he would be earning a staggering $400 million per year.

Nevertheless, Laporta expressed confidence that Barcelona could compete for Messi's signature despite the lucrative financial offer from the Middle East.

"With all due respect to Saudi Arabia, Barca is Barca, and it is his home.

"We can compete with everyone. History backs us, the feelings are too strong, we have 400 million fans around the world too."

Barcelona, however, faces significant financial challenges and must generate over €200 million in savings or new income to comply with LaLiga's financial fair play regulations without restrictions. 

As the summer transfer window approaches, football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the resolution of Messi's future, which could potentially mark an emotional return to his beloved Barcelona or a surprising venture to new horizons.