Messi returns to Barcelona? This is the plan of president Laporta's rival

Lionel Messi is probably the best player in Barcelona's history. He arrived as a 13-year-old teenager at the club from Newell's Old Boys in Argentina and made his professional debut in 2004. Leo quickly showed his talent and earned a place in the team, taking part in the 2005/06 Champions League title.

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But his importance grew when Pep Guardiola became the team's coach in 2008. From that moment on he started wearing the number 10 jersey and scoring key goals, such as the one in the 2009 Champions League final. From that moment on, nobody doubted who was the leader of the team and until his departure in 2021 he played a total of 778 games, with 672 goals and 269 assists. He is also the winningest player in the club's history, with 35 titles.

However, all that came to an abrupt end when Joan Laporta was elected president of the club and announced to Messi that, because of serious financial problems, they could not renew his contract and he would have to leave for another team. First the forward joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two years, during which he was not happy, as he himself later assured in several interviews. And since July 2023 he has been at Inter Miami.

But in Barcelona they do not forget him and some still dream of bringing him back. Victor Font was a candidate for president of the club in 2021, when he lost against Joan Laporta in the elections. Now he gave an interview to RAC1 and spoke about Messi's departure during Laporta's presidency: "For me it is the biggest mistake of his mandate and of the club's contemporary history," he began. He added: "I think he was part of the solution and we are not aware of the cost, not only in sporting terms, but also for Barça. He was important to make the transition. In sporting terms, he was the last pass and he was a goal scorer. And, economically, he helped us to implement the shock plan. With a world champion Messi, imagine thinking about the 'Barça brand'".

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He wants him back

Font assured that he had talks with the Messi family now that they are at Inter Miami: "I was with his father and brother and they are very focused on this stage that excites them". He then shocked everyone by revealing his plans to bring Leo back: "I'm sure I can create the conditions for him to contribute in the future". However, he did not clarify whether it will be as a professional player or in another role, once he retires.