Barcelona president Joan Laporta has ruled out the possibility of Lionel Messi making a return to the club, describing the idea as “unrealistic.”

The 38-year-old Argentine legend made a surprise visit to Camp Nou on Sunday night, expressing his wish to “one day return — not just to say goodbye as a player, since I never got to do that.”

Messi, Barcelona’s all-time top scorer and appearance holder, left the club in 2021 after two decades when financial constraints prevented them from renewing his contract.

“Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the club professionals, and our members, I think it would be inappropriate to speculate on something that’s unrealistic,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

Laporta, who was president during Messi’s emotional exit, said he had no regrets, emphasizing that “Barca is above everything.”

He, however, confirmed his intention to organize a tribute match for Messi once the renovated Camp Nou reopens.

“Things didn’t end the way we would have liked,” Laporta admitted. “If a tribute can somehow make up for what wasn’t done, I think it would be a beautiful gesture. He deserves the best tribute match in the world, and it would be wonderful to have it here before 105,000 fans.”

Laporta added that Messi’s unannounced visit on Sunday was simply a “spontaneous show of love” for Barcelona.

Messi is currently in Spain with the Argentina national team as they prepare for a friendly against Angola.