Lionel Messi is set to be invited back to Barcelona for a special occasion, months after his unexpected departure from the club. Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently disclosed plans to invite the Argentine back for the inauguration of the revamped Nou Camp.
Laporta however was quick to admit that his relationship with Messi is not the best, but he would like to have the 35-year-old at the occasion.
“My communication with Messi is no longer fluid but I’d love to have Leo here present with us during the inauguration of the new stadium.” Laporta spoke to Esports RAC1.
As reported by The Sun, Barcelona recently approved plans for a massive £1.3billion revamp of the club’s beloved stadium, and they hope the project will be done by 2025.
Laporta on Messi’s departure
Messi departed Barcelona in quite controversial circumstances last summer, joining French giants Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer. Months after Messi’s departure, Laporta spoke on the transfer where he admitted the club’s financial woes prompted Barcelona to part ways with their all-time goal scorer.
“Camp Nou will always be his home. His departure to PSG? We did what we had to do [last summer].” Laporta said.
Despite a hyped summer transfer, Messi has failed to replicate his Barcelona prowess at PSG, and was recently booed by his own fans during a Ligue 1 game against Bordeaux. Laporta also recently ruled out a potential move back to Barcelona for Messi, saying he wanted the club to rebuild afresh with new talent.
