Barcelona President Joan Laporta has not ruled out a sensational return for former superstars Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.
Everything looked grim at Barcelona after what an anxious and difficult summer for fans to deal with. The departure of superstar talisman Lionel Messi was the biggest shock in the footballing world, as the Argentine ended his 21-year association with the club to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.
They started the season badly, which resulted in the sacking of Ronald Koeman. However, over the last few days, optimism has returned to Camp Nou after the club appointed legendary former midfielder Xavi as their new manager.
In recent days, even veteran right-back Dani Alves has made a sensational return to Barcelona. Xavi urged the club to re-sign the Brazilian, stating the need for characters in the dressing room.
Former midfield colleague Andres Iniesta was on hand to praise the appointment of Xavi at the helm. And recent reports have emerged linking the veteran attacking midfielder with a return to Camp Nou, much like Alves. He has a contract with Vissel Kobe until 2024, although a return to Catalonia could be tempting for the former Spanish international.
There’s also an audacious suggestion for Messi’s return, which club president Joan Laporta hasn’t ruled out, despite the PSG star hitting out against him recently.
Some of Laporta’s comments appeared on Goal.com, where the current president refused to rule out a sensational reunion involving Iniesta and Messi. Laporta said, “I don’t rule anything out. It happened with Dani – age is [just] a number. They’re two great players.I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow; they’re still playing and contracted to other clubs. You never know what happens in life.”
For now, it could be surreal for the Camp Nou faithful to see their former superstars together again. However, the return of Messi might be a bit tricky, who only signed for PSG in the summer, penning a two-year contract. The Argentine, however, still holds Barcelona close to his heart, and recently suggested that he could return in some capacity someday.
Messi said, “I always said that I would love to be able to help the club. If there is a possibility, I would like to contribute again in what I can because it is the club that I love and I would love for it to continue to be good, to continue growing and to continue being one of the best in the world.”
