Joan Laporta called and apologised to Leo Messi, player very happy – report

In a major revelation, Catalan journalist Joan Fontes is claiming that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had called and issued an apology to club legend Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain was reportedly very happy after the conversation.

Messi’s future has been a topic of intense speculation in recent months as he closes in on the expiry of his contract at PSG. While it has been suggested that the 35-year-old could renew with the French champions, doubts are starting to creep in if that will indeed be the case.

Indeed, reports from France suggested today that PSG were unwilling to give in to Messi’s contract demands and that some within the club were unsure about the extension.

Amidst this, Barcelona have been working behind the scenes to assess whether re-signing Messi this summer is feasible for them, given the Financial Fair Play issues.

One of the main obstacles for the deal to happen was believed to be the frosty relationship between the two camps over how Messi’s exit was handled back in 2021.

But, it now seems like there may be some easing off on that front. Only recently, Messi’s father, Jorge, had met with Laporta in Barcelona to discuss a possible return, and a tribute to the Argentine captain.

Now, Joan Fontes is reporting that Laporta has already spoken to Messi and made an apology at some point last year, with the 35-year-old Barcelona legend reportedly happy with how the talk went.

The report also claims that manager Xavi Hernandez has been in constant touch with his former teammate, along with Alejandro Echevarría, the brother-in-law of Laporta, who has been trying to bridge the gap between the two parties.

Furthermore, Xavi is understood to have met the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner back in November when the Barcelona manager explained he plans to use Messi in the right-interior position.

The 43-year-old also informed the PSG superstar that he will try to keep Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at the club so that he can be comfortable if he returns.

It also states that Messi dreams of a comeback and his family too are hoping to return to Barcelona. But his father and brother have been working to keep the rumours quiet.

If true, it could be a big boost for Barcelona in their bid to re-sign Messi. However, there is no guarantee that such a move will materialise as the Financial Fair Play issues continue to loom over the Catalans and it is uncertain as to what kind of a contract they would be able to offer their prodigal son.