Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed meeting Lionel Messi's father Jorge amid ongoing speculation over the Argentine superstar's future.
Messi is said to be set to open contract extension negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain having joined the French club on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021. After a difficult debut campaign in Paris, he has netted 18 goals and provided 19 assists this season and has spoken of his happiness at adapting to life in France this term.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a return to Barcelona but he has been refusing to answer phone calls made on behalf of a negotiator close to Laporta, who is desperate for the Argentine star to return to the Camp Nou but his negotiating tactic has so far proven unsuccessful.
Messi appears to have entirely ended his relations with Laporta, whom he feels misled him over his future two summers ago – with the club unable to offer him a contract extension at the Camp Nou, and the Argentine was only aware of this situation in August – when he then uplifted his life by moving to Paris.
The two's separations were also evident at the recent FIFA The Best awards in the French capital when Messi scooped the Men's Best Player of 2022 award. He did not speak to Laporta at all during the event after the Barca president had assured his attendance.
Laporta has now clarified that he recently spoke with Messi’s father Jorge, who also acts as his agent. The subject was said by the Barca chief to be Messi pulling on the club’s shirt once more but in a tribute, match to mark the player’s achievements at Camp Nou.
"We (he and Jorge Messi) have seen each other," Laporta confirmed to reporters on Tuesday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. "I congratulated him for Argentina’s World Cup victory. We are talking about a tribute match for Leo, who has extraordinary affection for Barca."
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Laporta was then coy when asked about a possible transfer return for Messi, by insisting that he would not talk about the player before doing exactly that: "He’s at PSG right now, so I don’t want to speak about whether or not he could return. Leo's thing isn't about money, we're talking about a tribute."
When speaking of Messi’s exit two years ago, Laporta lamented: "I didn't like that he left but I had no other option. The institution is above all. We didn't have 'fair play'. I have a sad feeling. I had to choose and I chose the institution."
MLS club Inter Miami have also explored the possibility of tempting Messi to the United States this summer but despite reports that a deal had been agreed upon at the end of the current season, that appears to be premature. Their coach Phil Neville has subsequently talked up the possibility of a move – although such claims may be slightly fanciful.
"We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club," Inter Miami boss Neville told The Times. "Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years. They're great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organisation. For MLS, it would be a game-changer."
