Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona just over one year ago in what was one of the saddest goodbyes in football.
Since Messi’s hasty departure due to Barcelona’s financial woes, there has always been some hope from many fans that the Argentine could return to his long-time club before he retires.
Speaking back in July, Joan Laporta seemed open to the idea of that happening:
“Messi was everything,” Laporta said exclusively to ESPN.
“To Barca, he’s been possibly its greatest player, the most efficient. To me he’s only comparable to Johan Cruyff. But it had to happen one day. We had to make a decision as a consequence of what we inherited. The institution is in charge of players, coaches.
“I would hope that the Messi chapter isn’t over. I think it’s our responsibility to try to … find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn’t closed, so it turns out like it should have, and that it has a more beautiful ending.”
Despite the positive words from the Barca chief, though, it has been claimed over the weekend that there is currently no relationship between Messi and Laporta, with no contact made:
“At the moment, the relationship between Messi and Laporta has not yet been rebuilt but the president hopes to change this. As of now there have been no contacts,” journalist Toni Juanmarti said.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions & odds
Everton vs Chelsea betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions and odds
