Barcelona President Joan Laporta Walks Back Comments on Lionel Messi Returning as a Player | OneFootball

A couple of days ago, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the Spanish club. The conversation came up following the arrival of Dani Alves, who signed as a free agent, and returned to the Spanish club.

However, the remarks caused some excitement that Messi could return to the La Liga side, but Laporta had to walk back his comments during an interview with El Larguero (via Marca).

The Spanish club chief stated that if Messi were to return to Barcelona, it would be as a coach or executive, not much as a player.

“Before a press conference where there are many questions, there comes a time,” Laporta said. “The question they asked me is whether these two players will return to Barcelona if we will see them again at the club. They themselves have always said that they would like to return to Barcelona.”

“I am not talking [about them returning] as players, but as coaches. In addition, each of them has spoken in this regard publicly. Therefore, it can’t be ruled out that they will return to Barcelona.”

Messi departed Barcelona after the club could not fit his contract extension and comply with the La Liga salary cap rules. The 34-year-old would sign a two-year contract (with an option for a third) with Paris Saint-Germain a couple of days later.

Furthermore, another club chief also stated in an interview that it was time to move on from Messi and overhaul the squad. As a result, it seems they want to move off from that era of Barcelona football.