FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri spent a season as a teammate of Lionel Messi for the 2020-21 season, and the 19-year-old spoke with La Vanguardia (via Paris Fans) regarding his time with the Argentine.
Pedri states that he continues to watch Messi while the 34-year-old is at Paris Saint-Germain after departing the Spanish club last summer. Furthermore, the teenager said that he hopes Messi can return to Barcelona.
“Whenever I can, I watch his matches because you learn a lot watching the best footballer in the world play. But it’s true that when things don’t work out for a friend, as I consider it, it hurts a little,” Pedri said.
“I had great times with Leo on and off the pitch; he’s a wonderful person, so I hope he can come back. I had fun playing with him, and it’s a joy to have him as a teammate.”
When it comes to Messi returning, Barcelona president Joan Laporta commented, saying there’s no realistic chance that the former forward returns. Laporta went on to state that Messi is welcome to see the new renovations at the Camp Nou, but they’re moving in a new direction.
“I would like Messi to come to the inauguration. It is his home. Now the relationship is less fluid than before. There is no contact in person. I remember him with affection, and I hope he does too. But before it was the institution, I couldn’t put it in risk. I think I did what I had to do. I felt worse because of the family issue,” Laporta said.
“I haven’t received any message from Leo or those around him to return to Barça. We don’t consider it. We’re building a new team, with new people combined with expert people. There is symbiosis. But the Leo is the Leo. He is the best player in the world, Ballon d’Or. It is not a step backward. We did not consider it, but he deserves respect.”
Messi’s time at PSG hasn’t gone as planned; considering the last home game he played, the Argentine was part of the group of players that were booed during the match against FC Girondins de Bordeaux after not playing a significant role in the capital club’s Champions League elimination.
Nonetheless, it seems as though he will remain in the French capital to see out the second year of his contract.
IMHO, mr Laporta’s words are just words. It is empty. Might as well stop issuing kind words but no meaning really. I am still a barca fan, not Laporta’s.