President of the Spanish football club Barcelona, Joan Laporta, closed the door on Wednesday to the possibility of his former star, veteran Argentine Lionel Messi, returning to Catalonia to defend the colors of the Spanish champion.
In an interview with Catalan radio, Laporta, in response to a question about Messi's cryptic message after his surprise visit to Camp Nou, reiterated his desire to organize a 'tribute' for Messi, but asked Barcelona fans not to pin their hopes on the return of one of the club's glory-makers.
He added: 'Things did not end as we would have wished. If this tribute can make up for what was lost, I think that would be a good thing. But with great respect for Messi, I think the speculation (about his possible return as a player) is unrealistic.'
