Laporta Dreams of Messi at Spotify Camp Nou Inauguration – A Gesture of Reconciliation or Image Repair?
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly dreaming of having Argentine legend Lionel Messi present at the inauguration of the new Spotify Camp Nou stadium — a symbolic gesture he sees as a way to heal the deep wounds left by Messi’s tearful departure from the club in the summer of 2021.
Since that emotional farewell, communication between the two has been virtually non-existent. Not only has there been no direct contact between Laporta and Messi, but even their inner circles have remained disconnected, reflecting the strained relationship that followed the star’s exit.
During his presidential campaign, Laporta had promised fans that he would renew Messi’s contract if elected. However, the promise went unfulfilled. He later justified the decision by saying that keeping Messi would have pushed the club into financial crisis. His infamous quote — “I’m not willing to do something that could harm the club, not even for the best player” — left a lasting sense of hurt and disappointment for the Argentine icon.
Despite the painful split, Messi has never cut emotional ties with Barça. He has frequently described the club as “my home” and even attempted to take part in the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations by sending a commemorative video and contributing to a related documentary. However, he did not attend in person, partly due to match commitments with Inter Miami, and partly because he reportedly didn’t want to give Laporta the photo opportunity he appeared to be seeking.
Now, four years after Messi’s departure, Laporta is said to be eager to bring him back into the spotlight — at least symbolically — during the opening ceremony of the new stadium. According to Sport newspaper, Laporta envisions Messi’s presence at the event as both a tribute to the club and a step toward restoring his own image.
However, the report also notes that Messi has yet to receive any formal invitation from the club and shows no intention of granting what would essentially be a symbolic “gift” to Laporta.
The newspaper criticizes Laporta’s alleged tactic of repeatedly using Messi’s name without direct communication, saying that shifting the spotlight onto Messi without engaging with him is unlikely to inspire enthusiasm from the player widely considered the greatest in Barça history.
Most media outlets — with only one exception — have expressed skepticism about the rumors of reconciliation, casting doubt on whether any real rapprochement is underway.
As things stand, the image of a tearful Messi leaving Camp Nou remains a painful and unresolved memory. Whether Laporta’s dream of seeing him return — even momentarily — becomes reality remains to be seen, but for now, it appears the emotional gap is still far from bridged.
