Lionel Messi is always welcome at Barcelona, so says club president Joan Laporta.
Messi, who is the Blaugrana's record goalscorer, left Barca in 2021, joining Paris Saint-Germain before heading on to Inter Miami, for whom he has scored 80 goals.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is thriving in MLS, and is just one goal shy of netting the 900th of his glittering career.
Last week, ahead of Barca's presidential elections, former Blaugrana coach Xavi claimed Laporta had pulled out of a deal to re-sign Messi in 2023, before the Argentine signed for Miami.
However, after he was re-elected on Sunday, Laporta said the door is always open for Messi at Barca.
"Leo will be linked to Barcelona in whatever way he wants to be," Laporta told TV3.
"He deserves a tribute [match] and also a statue. That would be hugely significant. Only Ladislao Kubala and Johan Cruyff have statues at the stadium.
"The doors at Barca are always open to him, whenever he wishes, so that he can continue to strengthen and bring greatness to this institution."
Amid the election process, Barca beat Sevilla 5-2 to restore their four-point lead at the top of LaLiga, with Raphinha scoring a hat-trick.
Hansi Flick led Barca to a domestic treble last season, as well as the Champions League semi-finals.
And Laporta vowed that the best is yet to come.
"To keep building a great team with Flick on the bench and [sporting director] Deco," Laporta told Mundo Deportivo.
"To win titles, which is what the fans love, but also to play well. And to finish the stadium halfway through the mandate, because that guarantees the club's future on a financial level, but also a venue fitting for putting on a show on the pitch.
"We also want to keep the women's team really competitive and to keep growing economically. The best years of our lives lie in wait."
MarvMalibata
1
My President is a liar
Massi_67
1
Door is open for what? To kick Messi out again? 🤷🏻
Tomckmtyz
0
Never ever trust La Porta when he talks about Messi. He used Messi in his previous election and he will use Messi's name as much as possible while he is on the chair.
Messi will come back but not as a player
perfect2561
2
you're lie Mr. Laporta
namekprz
0
no messi return again we think but the future now the new generation now
Pahbeklsy
1
Create new player why, should you thing Messi, always
sikcklpsy
1
He is useless
Charliey
2
Never ever trust La Porta when he talks about Messi. He used Messi in his previous election and he will use Messi's name as much as possible while he is on the chair.
Small mind.. life after messi has been better since laporta take charge… if you love Barcelona you will understand and Messi will always be part of Barcelona for a very long decades
Richard0010
0
Never ever trust La Porta when he talks about Messi. He used Messi in his previous election and he will use Messi's name as much as possible while he is on the chair.
He will fulfill his promise this time around, we’re just coming back to normal small small. Former president has spoilt a lot of things, let appreciate this man. If not Barca suppose to be fighting for champions league spot
Tessyclinton2753
1
900th goal loading
Abcdefootball
2
Never ever trust La Porta when he talks about Messi. He used Messi in his previous election and he will use Messi's name as much as possible while he is on the chair.
jemmopsy
1
please I'm Barca fan and a huge Messi fan....but stop this returning of Messi nonsense
Elijay
1
politics as usual, Messi has become a bargaining point again.