There is a week to go until August 5, a day marked by fire in Barcelona: the anniversary of Leo’s departure, a wound that still stings and that Joan Laporta vows to heal.
“Leo’s chapter did not finish the way we all hoped. It ended because of the economic conditions. On that point we owe him a moral debt. We want him to end his career wearing the Barça jersey, and to be applauded in every arena,” Laporta stated in New York. He had already hinted at such a possibility in an ESPN interview last weekend, but this time the message was more open. “I believe this is a temporary ending, and we will turn that hope into reality.”
Laporta had promised a renewal for the Argentine star during the election campaign. Yet the pledge did not come to pass, with LaLiga’s financial fair play standing in the way. The balance of power has shifted: Barça no longer faces the 1×4 rule requiring a euro spent for each four players signed. Instead, the club is moving back toward a more balanced 1×1 approach, reclaiming financial flexibility.
38 gold to 11
Last season proved to be a letdown for both Barça and Messi. Even with the famed trident, the Azulgrana side failed to advance from the group stage for the first time in 18 years while facing PSG. The Messi–Mbappe–Neymar trio endured a bitter exit against Madrid. Koeman wondered who would account for Messi’s 30 goals, as the season’s top scorer vacancy loomed after the departure. With Aubameyang and Memphis Depay contributing only 13 goals across all competitions, Messi’s absence left Barça with a notable gap, as the club’s tally dipped below 38 goals in 13 straight campaigns.
as Eric Castell
Messi signed a two-year deal with PSG with plans to head to the United States next year to close his career with Inter Miami. Yet Barça’s improved financial and sporting situation could reshuffle the deck. Unlike a year ago, Barça now looks competitive again, and the bench is occupied not by a Koeman who feels distant, but by a coach who is a close friend in Xavi. The coach has said this week that he hopes Messi’s Barcelona story isn’t finished.
As the summer advances toward Messi turning 36, he will be free to decide what comes next, including potential options on the table. The trajectory suggests a possible return to Barcelona could be explored, a scenario that would excite fans and reshape the club’s narrative. The chapters ahead promise to be carefully watched by supporters and analysts alike, as the saga continues to unfold in both European and North American leagues.