Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that the club’s relationship with Lionel Messi became 'strained' after an unfortunate financial crisis led to the Argentine superstar having to leave Catalonia. Bridges have, however, been rebuilt since then and an emotional return to a spiritual home for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be discussed – potentially in an exhibition match at the recently upgraded Camp Nou.

Why Messi left Barcelona & what happened next

All-time great Messi bid farewell to Barca in the summer of 2021 when it became apparent that funds were not available for a new contract. Having spent his entire professional career with the Catalan giants, a new challenge was embraced in France with Paris Saint-Germain. That stint in Ligue 1 did not play out as planned, despite linking up with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Messi did win more major honours with PSG, having joined them as a free agent, but struggled to settle in Paris alongside wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons. The decision was taken to start again in 2023 when heading to MLS and Inter Miami.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMessi reunion: Barcelona hoping for special fixture

A return to familiar surroundings in Spain has been speculated on since then, but Messi is reportedly poised to agree a new deal in Florida instead. He could, however, head back to Barcelona at some stage for a friendly contest that allows his achievements – as the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer – to be given the recognition they deserve.

Laporta told when asked to pick the “God” of Barcelona from Messi or Johan Cruyff: “Cruyff. We have had a very good relationship with Messi. When we did not renew the contract, it was damaged, and then we recovered it to some extent.”

He went on to say of welcoming Messi back to Camp Nou, with it suggested that he could grace the turf at Camp Nou again once an expensive renovation project there has been completed: “What we hope is that he can be given the great tribute he deserves.”

Barcelona leadership: Flick & Laporta at the helm

While a Messi reunion remains an issue to be addressed at a later date, in the present Barcelona are looking to chase down more major honours – having picked up three, including a La Liga title, last season.

German tactician Hansi Flick is the man overseeing that quest, with Laporta a big fan of the former Bayern Munich boss. He said of a “demanding” character in the dugout: “He’s Gladiator, he looks like Russell Crowe. He’s a great discovery, he’s a great coach and a very easy-going guy, he’s very emotional, he’s German, but he’s sensitive with the players and everyone else. He’s very demanding. You can’t change his plans, but at the same time, he’s very sensitive. I feel very comfortable with him.”

Laporta added on his own role in Catalonia: “I like being president of Barca. I like what I do. Many people could be the president of Barca and who could do it well. I love Barca very much, and when there have been difficult moments, I have felt called to try to save the situation.”

He said of the qualities that any future supremo must possess, with it suggested that former fan favourite Gerard Pique could be a contender to take the reins at some stage: “A Barca president has to be responsible, has to tell the truth because Barca only has one word. You can’t believe anyone, but they have to believe you. And for that, you have to deliver on what you say. And above all, you have to love Barca and the people. You have to put the interests of Barca and others ahead of your own.”

GettyWhat next for Barcelona? Yamal injury concern ahead of Clasico

That philosophy has served the Blaugrana well down the years, with more superstar performers following in the illustrious footsteps of Cruyff and Messi. Teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal is among those, with the 18-year-old winger taking the global game by storm.

He is nursing an injury at present, preventing him from representing Barca and the Spain national team, but the hope is that one of the most exciting players on the planet will be fit again in time to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in a Clasico clash at Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.