Lionel Messi return to Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain 'not under consideration', says Joan Laporta

Lionel Messi left the Catalan club on a free transfer last summer, 21 years after joining as a child. Barcelona's dire financial situation meant they were hamstrung by La Liga's rules and were unable to offer a new contract to Messi at a salary he deemed acceptable, and the French giants secured his signature on a two-year contract. In his recent round of media interviews over the last few days, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta appeared on Spanish station RAC-1's Tu Diràs programme. Much was covered related to the Catalan club, but one element had fans' ears pricking up, rumours of a potential return to the Camp Nou of Lionel Messi.

Messi has only managed two goals from 18 Ligue 1 matches in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt - as well as providing 11 assists - and advisor Enric Masip recently refused to rule out a sensational return for the Argentine at Camp Nou.

However, Laporta has since shut down such talk, telling RAC1: "I've received no message from Messi or his agents over a possibility of returning back to Barcelona. As of today, we are not going to be raising this issue.

"There's no conversation with Leo Messi over his potential comeback to Barca. The reality is that we're not considering this possibility. Leo is Leo, he's the best - but this kind of deal is not part of our plans."

"I no longer have a fluid communication with Messi like I did before he left. His departure almost made me feel more bad for personal and family reasons rather than just strictly sporting ones.

"We're not considering . We are building a new team, with a mix of young players and experience - the symbiosis is working. But Leo is Leo and he'll always be a winner.

"For me it sure wasn't easy , but, as it happened, I thought about the club , I couldn't put it at more risk. I think we did what we had to do." - RAC1

Messi left Barcelona with 672 goals and 303 assists under his belt from 778 matches, and he reportedly has no desire to leave PSG this summer, with his deal in Paris set to expire in 2023.