Messi, 38, recently made headlines after being spotted at the newly renovated Camp Nou during a private visit. The Argentine superstar, now with Inter Miami, posted an emotional message on social media, reigniting talk of a short-term loan move during Major League Soccer’s offseason.

However, Laporta was quick to shut down the rumours.

“Leo’s departure wasn’t what we wanted, but we must respect the moment,” he told Catalunya Radio. “For me to feed speculation that isn’t realistic would not be appropriate.”

The Barcelona chief said he hadn’t been informed about Messi’s visit but described it as “a beautiful gesture.”

“He came after dinner with some friends. Camp Nou will always be his home,” Laporta added.

Messi’s post, viewed over 50 million times in 24 hours, carried the nostalgia that has followed him since his 2021 exit.

“Last night I returned to a place I have missed with all my soul,” he wrote. “I hope one day I can come back not only to say goodbye, but to play again.”

While fans flooded social media calling for a “final dance,” sources close to the club say financial constraints and MLS contractual obligations make any short-term return impossible. Messi signed a new three-year deal with Inter Miami earlier this year, and the club views him as central to their growing global brand.

Inside the Barcelona camp, though, sentiment remains strong. Several senior players, including Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, have reportedly spoken privately about how special it would be to share the pitch with Messi before he retires.

Laporta didn’t rule out a future tribute “When the stadium reopens fully, we’ll give Leo the biggest farewell in football history. He deserves that.”

For now, Messi’s focus returns to international duty with Argentina and the MLS playoffs with Miami later this month. Yet, the dream of a Barcelona reunion for fans and Messi himself still burns quietly in the background.