“We Would Like a Tribute to [Lionel] Messi” – Charged for Bribery, Barcelona President Breaks Silence on Inter Miami Star’s Return

Lionel Messi stunned everyone when he left Barcelona back in 2021. La Pulga has been an icon for the club for over a decade and it was tough for fans to imagine him in anything other than Barcelona’s red and blue. However, Barcelona were hit with financial restrictions that blocked them from renewing Messi’s contract. However, the La Liga giants are looking to mend the path as club president Joan Laporta has claimed that the club will give a fitting tribute to their former star.

Barcelona fans will surely rejoice at the chance of once again witnessing their club icon. The club has been involved in a big scandal, and the tribute to Messi could help fans get their mind off the controversy. Barcelona president, Joan Laporta has been accused of bribing officials, with a Spanish court ordering an investigation against the club.

Joan Laporta speaks about a potential reunion with Lionel Messi!

Lionel Messi was spoiled for choices with his contract with PSG coming to an end this summer. While La Pulga had the option of renewing his contract with the French side, many fans were expecting him to return to his former club Barcelona. However, the World Cup winner threw a curveball as he signed a deal with MLS side Inter Miami.

While Lionel Messi had a great start to his career in the USA, the team has been knocked out of the MLS Playoffs. Multiple teams were hoping to land Lionel Messi on a short-term loan. However, it seems like La Pulga is happy with where he is in his career. During a recent interview, Barcelona president Joan Laporta talked about giving an apt tribute to the Argentinian.

“We proposed to Messi to come back at the beginning of this season. He made a decision that we respect. We would like a tribute to Messi at the new Camp Nou”, as compiled by Marca and translated by DeepL.

It will be interesting to see what kind of ‘tribute’ Barcelona prepares for their former captain. Lionel Messi has a massive fan following in Barcelona and fans are likely to flood the stadium in case of a potential event. While the club seemingly prepares for a grand reunion, the team will also have to walk past the recent bed of controversies.

Also Read: Despite Inter Miami’s Reluctance on Risking Lionel Messi, Argentina Boss’ Message Provides Huge Relief to MLS

Barcelona under investigation in bribery case

Spanish giant FC Barcelona is currently under investigation after it was reported that the team paid off referees dating back to 2008. Club president Joan Laporta has been accused of bribing the officials during his previous tenures at the club. During the same press conference, Laporta also touched on the controversy.

“I will be very strong to defend the interests of Barça. Knowing the history of this judge, I did expect to end up under investigation. Knowing the history of this judge, I did expect to end up investigated. The sentence will be favorable to Barcelona. There is an orchestrated campaign to destabilize Barcelona. It is a fierce and unprecedented campaign that takes advantage of the Negreira case.” It will be interesting to see if the court rules in favor of Barcelona or finds them guilty of the misconduct. Any thoughts on the scandal? Let us know in the comments.

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