The End of a Dream in Blaugrana

After days of excitement and speculation, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has delivered a blunt reality check: Lionel Messi will not return as a player.

In an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, Laporta shut down rumors of a 2026 comeback under the famous “Beckham Clause”, which allows MLS players to go on short-term loans to Europe during the league’s winter break.

“Speculating About His Return Is Not Realistic”

Laporta made it clear that, despite his deep affection and respect for Messi, a sporting reunion is off the table.
“Things didn’t end the way we wanted. If we can somehow repair what wasn’t done through a tribute, that would be great. But speculating about a return as a player is not realistic,” Laporta said.

His remarks come just days after Messi’s surprise visit to the Spotify Camp Nou, which sparked global excitement. The Argentine legend’s emotional post — expressing his desire to “return someday” — reignited hope among millions of fans dreaming of one final chapter with the player who scored 672 goals and won 35 trophies in the blaugrana shirt.

A Tribute Fit for a Legend

Laporta did confirm that the club is preparing “the most beautiful tribute in the world” once renovations at the new Camp Nou are completed, with a planned capacity of 105,000 fans.

“I didn’t know he was coming, but the Spotify Camp Nou is his home. It was a spontaneous and beautiful moment,” said Laporta, emphasizing that Messi’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable — even if it now lives in memory.

A Farewell Set in Stone

With these statements, Laporta has extinguished any lingering hope of seeing Messi play again for Barça.
While the Beckham Clause in his Inter Miami contract technically allows a short-term European loan, the Catalan club has no plans to pursue it.

The long-awaited “last dance” won’t happen on the pitch, but Barcelona promises to honor its greatest ever player with a farewell worthy of his legend.