Messi Wanted to Return to Barcelona, Says Laporta

The president of Spain's champion team, FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has promised that the club will organize a farewell match for former player and world champion striker of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi.

“Messi wanted to return to Barcelona. He went through a very tough phase in Paris, and his father said that Leo does not wish to fall under similar pressure again. We respect Messi's decision. Barcelona will always be his home. I regret that things turned out this way, but for the president of the club, Barcelona comes first,” said Laporta.

Messi will continue his career with the American team Inter Miami.