Laporta does not rule out Messi and Iniesta return to Barcelona

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has not ruled out the possibility of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta returning to the club in the future.

Speaking at an event presenting Dani Alves to over 10,000 fans at the Camp Nou, Laporta suggested the return of the Brazilian right-back might not be the only reunion in the coming years.

Iniesta left Barca to sign for Japanese side Vissel Kobe in 2018, while debts of more than €1.2billion meant the Blaugrana could not afford to sign Messi to a new contract, leading to the Argentine moving to Paris Saint-Germain in August.

“I do not rule it out,” Laporta said when asked about the possibility of Messi and Iniesta returning.

“It has happened with Dani, and I want to thank him because he has seen the situation of the club and wants to come to help.”

Alves is the first signing for new head coach, Xavi, and penned a deal until the end of the season, but will not be eligible to play until January.

“I also thank him for making an economic effort. We are going to reverse this situation, but now he has made this effort. It has to be appreciated,” Laporta added.

“These are people who have made this club great. Messi and Iniesta are spectacular, I cannot predict the future, as they are still playing, but they have made the club great, we always keep them in mind, although now they have contracts with other clubs and you have to respect that, but in life you never know.”

Laporta was also asked about contract renewals, with speculation around new deals for Ousmane Dembele and Gavi, to which he replied: “Hopefully we can achieve more renewals soon.”

Alves was asked about Dembele, who has also received a vote of confidence from Xavi in recent days. The 38-year-old said: “He needs to understand that he’s playing for Barca. It’s my mission to remind that to him, that he’s really good, that he’s phenomenal and that he can achieve great things at this club.”