FC Barcelona is navigating the dual demands of honoring its legendary past while rigorously protecting the future talent rising through its ranks, President Joan Laporta indicated this week.
Laporta expressed a desire for a grand tribute to Lionel Messi, suggesting it would be “wonderful” to host it at the redeveloped Camp Nou before 105,000 fans.
This sentiment followed Messi’s recent spontaneous visit to the stadium. Laporta described the unannounced appearance as a display of the star’s enduring “Barcelonism.”
Despite the warm welcome, Laporta firmly dismissed any speculation about Messi’s potential return to play for the club. He stated such talk was “not realistic” and emphasized that “Barça is above all.”
Simultaneously, Laporta addressed the situation surrounding 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal. Yamal recently withdrew from the Spanish national squad due to a medical procedure at the club.
The president underlined the club’s commitment to protecting Yamal. He hailed the young player as a “genius” and “the best in the world in his position” despite his age.
Laporta, 63, reiterated that he did not regret Messi’s initial departure from the club.
Regarding Yamal, he defended the player’s maturity and professionalism. Laporta downplayed concerns about his lifestyle, stressing Yamal’s dedication to recovery from groin pain, known as pubalgia.
The club fully communicated with the Spanish national team regarding Yamal’s medical status, Laporta added. He asserted Barcelona’s right to manage its players’ recovery at its preferred pace.