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Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi set for Barcelona tribute match

By Ben Sully | 07 March 2023

PSG's Lionel Messi set for Barcelona tribute match

Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals that the club are set to give Lionel Messi a tribute match amid talk of a possible return.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that discussions have taken place about a tribute match for club legend Lionel Messi.

The Argentina international left Barcelona in the summer of 2021, and went on to sign a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi has now entered the final six months of his contract and has been linked with a possible Barcelona return.

The player's father Jorge Messi met with Laporta last month, sparking rumours that Messi could once again play for the Catalan giants.

Laporta has now confirmed that he met with Jorge Messi, but talks were over a potential tribute match instead of a summer move.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal with Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

"We (he and Jorge Messi) have seen each other", Laporta told reporters. "I congratulated him for Argentina's World Cup victory. We are talking about a tribute match for Leo, who has extraordinary affection for Barca."

The Barcelona president refused to be drawn on speculation linking Messi with a return to the club where he won numerous honours, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.

Laporta added: "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."

Messi reportedly has a strained relationship with Laporta, who he feels misled him over his Barcelona future two years ago.

The Argentine did not speak to the Barcelona president when the pair attended last month's FIFA The Best awards where Messi was named the Men's Best Player of 2022.

Lionel Messi wins The Best FIFA Men's Player 2022 award on February 27, 2023 © Reuters

Commenting on Messi's Barcelona exit, Laporta said: "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."

As well as being linked with a Barcelona return, Messi is also attracting interest from MLS franchise Inter Miami and Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

However, the 35-year-old has recently indicated that he is in no rush to leave the French capital, amid rumours that talks are ongoing with PSG over a new deal.

Messi will be looking to reach a Champions League milestone when PSG attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit in Wednesday's last-16 second leg against Bayern Munich.