LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Joan Laporta has pledged that Barcelona “will do everything we can” to re-sign Lionel Messi this summer.
Due to financial issues, the erratic Argentine forward was unable to sign a new deal, so he left Camp Nou in 2021.
The 35-year-old has spent the previous two years in France with Paris Saint-Germain, but his contract there is now approaching the end and he will be eligible for free agency.
Before they can finalize a remarkable deal for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Barca must overcome a number of obstacles, but Laporta has committed to do all in his power to fulfill the hopes of his fans.
READ ALSO: Barcelona Plan To Erect Lionel Messi Museum Next To Camp Nou To Fund Legend’s Summer Transfer
Laporta told Jijantes after seeing the Blaugrana capture the 2022-23 La Liga title on Sunday: “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona.”
Vice-president Rafa Yuste added during a conversation with Carrusel: “Messi? He’s a very good friend of many guys who are celebrating La Liga today… I’m sure he is so happy! I would love Messi to come back.”
Following a derby victory away at neighbors Espanyol, Barca won the Liga title for the first time since 2018–19, when Messi was still on their roster, setting off wild celebrations across Catalunya.
At RCDE Stadium, a celebration on the field had to be stopped due to a home crowd invasion. However, the joy persisted in the locker room, where Laporta was doused by ecstatic players as he joined in the celebrations.
Messi’s strong emotional ties to Camp Nou may be advantageous to Barcelona as they look to bolster the team that Xavi has led to domestic success this season, despite the fact that they will need to fend off competition from the Middle East and MLS in order to secure a deal for him.