Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted he stands by his decision to sanction Lionel Messi's departure but admits he wants the Argentine back at the Camp Nou soon.
Not only does Laporta want Messi back, but he also harbours a lot of confidence he can oversee such a transfer providing he deploys the right strategy. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner bid farewell to Barcelona after 21 years on the books of the club last summer, joining French giants Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer shortly after.
The Argentina international's exit stemmed from the fact Barcelona had previously breached La Liga financial regulations and therefore couldn't afford to sign Messi to a new contract. Laporta has claimed he put the club's interests above Messi's but is keen on trying to re-sign the footballing icon.
"I did what I had to do in order to put the institution above the best player in our history," Laporta told CBS Sports. "I have known Messi since he was a kid and I love Leo. I feel in moral debt to Messi. He's the best player in our history and I will do my best in order to ensure he can have the best ending of his career with a Barca shirt on.
"I would like to bring him back. It will not be easy but I think with the correct strategy we could do it. I think Messi has been the most important player in our history. During a long period of success he was the leader. He was the one who excited our supporters. We will do our best to have Messi ending his career at Barcelona and being applauded by everyone.
"The end of Leo at Barcelona was not the best. It was a difficult time. We had to take a decision and put the club above the best player in our history. But I think we have to work now to have Messi end his career back wearing the shirt of Barcelona being applauded on every field that he plays. We will do our best to give him the ending he deserves."
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Messi's current Paris Saint-Germain contract does not expire until June 2023 - by which time, the forward will be 36 years of age. There is little to no chance that Barcelona could pry him away from the French capital before then due to their perilous financial position.
As a result, any triumphant return for Messi would have to come in the form of a free transfer once his contract in Paris expires in just under 12 months time. Barcelona's record goal-scorer is still likely to demand astronomical wages even if the club can get him for nothing in terms of transfer fees.
Pressed on whether Barcelona are already working on an offer for Messi, Laporta kept his cards close to his chest as replied: "Again, I am telling you this is a wish we have and I hope we can convert it to reality. We have a strategy to get him back to Barcelona. Barca loves Leo, the fans love Leo and I love him, too. I will do my best."
