On November 12, 2025, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta firmly dismissed speculation about a potential short-term loan return for Lionel Messi, calling such ideas “unrealistic speculations” during an interview on Catalunya Radio.
khelnow.com This comes just days after Messi’s emotional, unannounced visit to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou on November 10, where the 38-year-old Argentine legend shared photos on Instagram, expressing his longing for the club and hinting at a future return “not just to say goodbye as a player.”
Messi, currently with Inter Miami in MLS (contract extended to 2028), made a spontaneous late-night trip to Barcelona while the team was away playing Celta Vigo. Laporta was unaware of the visit and noted, “Camp Nou is his home,” but emphasized the club wasn’t informed in advance. In a recent interview with Sport, Messi admitted he and his family miss the city where they grew up, reigniting fan hopes for a reunion.
Loan Rumors: Reports suggested Barcelona could pursue a January 2026 loan for Messi to keep him match-fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup, similar to past MLS-to-Europe deals. However, Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup schedule from February onward makes this logistically challenging.
Laporta’s StanceLaporta, who has long admired Messi, reiterated his desire for a proper tribute but drew a clear line on any playing return:
“Out of respect for Messi, for the professionals at the club, and for our members, I won’t make any unrealistic speculations. It wouldn’t be appropriate right now.”
He added that discussing a loan “is not realistic” and it’s “not the time to speculate with unrealistic scenarios.”
On Messi’s 2021 departure (due to Barcelona’s financial woes under La Liga rules), Laporta expressed “no regrets,” stating it was the “right decision” despite the pain, and that Messi chose his path, which the club respected.
Future Tribute PlansWhile a loan is off the table, Laporta confirmed Barcelona is planning a grand farewell for Messi once Camp Nou renovations are complete (expected capacity: 105,000 by mid-2026):
“It’s only fair that Lionel receives the greatest tribute in the world… We are working on the tribute and on delivering the best football in the world.”
This could include a testimonial match, allowing Messi to bid farewell to fans properly—something denied in 2021 due to COVID-19 empty-stadium restrictions.