12 November 2025
Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about the surprise visit made by Argentine star Lionel Messi, the team's former player, to the Catalan club's home ground, Camp Nou, last Sunday. Messi bid a tearful farewell to Camp Nou in the summer of 2021, when the financial crisis forced Barcelona to end a legendary era that had begun in his childhood.
In a surprising move, Messi returned to the Catalan city last Sunday, accompanied by his friend and teammate at Inter Miami and the Argentine national team, Rodrigo De Paul. The "Flea" received special permission to visit Camp Nou, which is undergoing extensive renovations, marking his first return to the stadium since May 16, 2021, when he played his last match in a Barcelona shirt against Celta Vigo. In his remarks to Catalunya Radio, Laporta said he was unaware of the Argentine star's intentions and confirmed that he does not regret Messi's departure, as his continued presence at the club was not possible.
Laporta reiterated that Barcelona is bigger than any individual.
"I gave him a warm welcome," Laporta said. "It was a spontaneous outpouring of his love for Barcelona. I wasn't aware of the visit, but he considers this his home."
"He was out with friends, strolling around, and had just finished dinner, so he came spontaneously. I didn't send him any message. Our relationship is fine. He's playing for Inter Miami now."
"He knows he's loved and appreciated for who he is, and he'll always be welcome," Laporta affirmed. "It's only fair that he receives the best tribute in the world. It will be wonderful for him to be honored here, in front of 105,000 fans."
