Major League Soccer

Barcelona Shuts Down Lionel Messi Loan Rumours As Laporta Says Fans ‘Live In The Past’

Barcelona Fans Want a Messi Return — Laporta Says “It’s Time To Move Forward”

If there’s one dream Barcelona fans refuse to let die, it’s the idea of Lionel Messi returning to Camp Nou wearing the famous No.10.
But according to club president Joan Laporta, that dream needs to be gently packed away in a box labeled nostalgia.

Laporta once again shut down rumours of a sensational loan move from Inter Miami, saying bluntly that anyone hoping for Messi’s return “lives in the past” and that such a scenario simply isn’t “realistic.”

Barça may honour Messi forever — but his playing comeback?
Case closed.


Messi Has Moved On: A New Contract, A New League, A New Life

Messi isn’t exactly sitting around waiting for Barcelona to call.
The Argentine legend is fully invested in his MLS journey and recently signed a three-year extension with Inter Miami — a deal that runs through the 2028 season and past his 40th birthday.

And with MLS restructuring its calendar to align with the global football schedule, winter loan stints in Europe (like the ones some players pull off) are becoming less feasible.

In short:
Messi is a Miami man for now.


Barça’s Position: Respect the Present, Don’t Chase the Past

Barcelona’s leadership is focused on building a competitive, youthful squad for the future.
And while Messi remains the greatest footballer in the club’s history, Laporta insists that bringing him back as a player doesn’t fit the club’s reality.

“Leo Messi’s return as a player is just not realistic. He has a contract with Inter Miami. The club is building a project for the present and future.”

Still, Barcelona does plan to celebrate Messi properly:

✔️ A planned friendly/exhibition match at Camp Nou once renovations are complete
✔️ A statue of Messi outside the stadium
✔️ Permanent institutional recognition for their greatest ever player

Messi may not return in the dressing room — but he’ll return in history.


Family Ties: Messi And Antonela Want to Move Back to Catalunya

Here’s where the story gets emotional.

Messi has made it clear that while his playing boots remain in Miami, his heart still sits in Barcelona.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he and Antonela — along with their children — fully intend to move back to Catalunya.

“We miss Barcelona a lot… We constantly talk about the idea of moving back. It’s our home.”

He also said he can’t wait to step back into the finished Camp Nou — this time as a supporter.

Imagine Messi in the stands, cheering the team like any other Culé.
Goosebumps.


A Legend With Two Homes — But Only One Future

Messi’s story with Barcelona is complete — glorious, emotional, and immortal.
But his playing future is firmly with Inter Miami, where he continues expanding his legacy in new ways.

Barça has moved forward.
Messi has moved forward.
And the fans?
Maybe it’s time they do too — while still celebrating the magical past.

If you want more high-quality football insights, analysis, and storytelling, Sports Market International continues to position itself as the best sport blog for fans who crave depth, perspective, and global coverage.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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