Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out over Lionel Messi’s potential return to the club this summer. The Argentine is out of a contract at the end of the season, and looks unlikely to renew with PSG.

He has received an offer from Saudi Arabia, but hasn’t accepted their bid yet. His former club, Barcelona, have also made contact over a free transfer which has now been confirmed by Laporta himself.

Joan Laporta speaks on Lionel Messi return possibility

“Barca is his home. Barca can compete with anyone. The history this club has and the feeling of our 400 million supporters is so strong.”

Lionel Messi Barcelona return: Talks held with Joan Laporta — credits – mundoalbiceleste.com

“I have spoken with him recently to rectify the situation after I had to put the club before everything, even him, the best player in the world,” Laporta said after Barcelona secured the 22/23 La Liga title.

“It was a pleasant conversation. We have recovered the relationship we have had for many years.”

The Barcelona star had to leave the club of his dreams in 2021, due to the dire financial situation that they found themselves in. There were rumours that the relationship between Laporta and Messi was damaged after his exit. But things seem to be improving now, and the likelihood of his return seems to be growing.

However, it is all subject to La Liga’s FFP regulations, which need to be adhered to by Joan Laporta’s board in order to register Lionel Messi with the league.