Barcelona Sunday’s 4-2 win at Espanyol saw Xavi Hernández’s side become unstoppable with a 14-point lead over Real Madrid heading into their final four games of La Liga. Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the club is Messi’s “home” as they look to re-sign the forward this summer.
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And after their derby rivals tried to ruin the celebrations at full-time by invading the pitch, the Blaugrana celebrated their 27th title with an open-top bus parade on Monday.
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Laporta: “I have spoken to Messi, we’ve recovered the relationship. It was very nice”. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2023
“Al Hilal bid? Barça is Barça. This club can compete with everyone. In Arabia they are doing a good job and investing… but I insist, Barça is his home”, told TV3.
“We want Leo”. pic.twitter.com/AW3c7aYxRj
They were joined alongside their women’s team, who have retained their fourth-consecutive Liga F crown.
However, Barça is set to be formally presented with their title at Camp Nou after Saturday’s visit of Real Sociedad.
Laporta on ‘Messi wants barça’ and confirms advance talks
Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the club is Messi’s “home” as they look to re-sign the forward this summer.
The Argentine’s contract at Paris St-Germain expires in June, with reports linking him to Saudi Arabia.
Benzema thought he will be winning Pichichi b2b after Messi left only for Lewandowski to join Barcelona 😂
— Nungua Burnaboy (@Views09) May 14, 2023
From Messi and Ronaldo’s shadow to Lewandowski’s shadow, I feel for him 😭 pic.twitter.com/LAeAQbIqUd
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However, in an interview with Spanish broadcaster TV3, Laporta claimed Barcelona can compete with anyone for the 35-year-old’s signature.
“History backs us, the feelings are too strong, we have 400 million fans around the world too,” he said. “He is a Paris St-Germain player and we have to wait until the end of the season until it is over, and then we can talk more calmly about this,” Laporta added. “With all due respect to Saudi Arabia, Barca is Barca, and it is home.”
Barcelona players enjoying some pizza as fans fill the streets for the parade 🍕 pic.twitter.com/chVWFfqqCq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 15, 2023
Messi left the Catalan giants two years ago after 21 years at the club but has struggled during his two seasons in France, with fans booing him after their 5-0 win over Ajaccio at the weekend.
Laporta said there had been an “affectionate conversation” between the two and that he congratulated Messi on winning the World Cup in Qatar last year.
The comments come after Barcelona won their first La Liga title in four years with a 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday.
This is the rhythm of the night pic.twitter.com/oYe2BQgFRf
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 15, 2023
Laporta appeared to be more reserved than during a late-night Twitch stream after the win, on which he is reported to have said the club would do “everything possible” to sign Messi.
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Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, Messi has 15 goals and 15 assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances this season as PSG close in on the Ligue 1 title.