Joan Laporta doesn't consider the chapter closed. Despite the time that's passed and the wounds that are still present, FC Barcelona's president is reopening the door to Leo Messi. This time, it's not just a simple intention, but a clear proposal, with dates and conditions.
The desire is shared by the fans and by the board: to see the Argentine wearing the blaugrana jersey again. Not as a savior, but as a legend. As part of a deserved farewell that never happened.
After several failed attempts, Laporta believes that this time there's real room to make it happen. Messi's contract situation and the European soccer calendar are working in favor of his return. The strategy is already in place.
Messi will be free in December and Barça is preparing its move
Leo Messi's contract with Inter Miami ends in December 2025 (diciembre de 2025). Although there's a renewal clause, it hasn't been activated yet. This opens a real possibility for his departure at the end of the MLS season.
The Club World Cup experience made two things clear. First, Messi is still making a difference. Second, Inter doesn't have the competitive level needed to prepare him for the big challenge of 2026: his last World Cup.
Laporta has interpreted this context as a perfect opportunity. Barça would offer Messi the chance to play the last six months (seis meses) before the World Cup in a competitive and emotionally ideal environment. It would be the most symbolic return in modern soccer.
The sporting management knows the current financial limits, but the operation is designed intelligently. It would be just a six-month (seis meses) contract, with a mixed focus: sporting and commemorative.
Six months of farewell… and tribute
The offer consists of a deal until June 2026 (junio de 2026), with the possibility of extension if both parties wish. But the focus is on those six months (seis meses): a "last dance" at the new Camp Nou, completely renovated.
Laporta wants Messi to receive the farewell he never had. The one he deserved after almost two decades defining an era. The one the club could never give him in 2021, when his departure was solved with a simple press conference.
The proposal includes special matches, institutional events, and a schedule that allows tributes in every stadium. It would be not only a sporting addition, but an emotional closure to the greatest cycle in Barça history.
The fans want it, the club is ready… the stadium is about to unveil its new look. All the elements are aligned for the return to happen.
Messi wants to arrive in top form for the World Cup: Barça offers him the perfect environment
On Messi's horizon is the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will be his last big challenge with Argentina, and he wants to face it with rhythm and high demands.
Barça's proposal would allow him to return to the top European level without competitive pressure. He would get minutes, respect, and an environment he knows perfectly. In addition, he would share the locker room with young players who grew up admiring him.
The club believes that the emotional component could tip the balance. There are no excessive promises or sporting demands. Just an opportunity to close the circle as a legend deserves.
The ball is in Leo Messi's court. Laporta has made his move. At Camp Nou, they dream of seeing the "10" saying goodbye at home, on the field, with the ovation that always belonged to him.