World Cup 2022: Laporta Abandons Plan to Speak to Messi at Final

• Joan Laporta wants to see Lionel Messi play out his legendary career at Barcelona
• The La Liga giant's president considered flying to Qatar to convince the Argentine
• Laporta wants a statue of Messi outside Camp Nou as a tribute to their former star

How desperate are Barcelona to bring Lionel Messi back to Spain?

The answer is desperate enough that Joan Laporta considered flying out to the World Cup final in Qatar just to speak to the Argentinian.

Daily Mail reported that Barcelona's president originally planned to fly to the Middle East for the final - to speak to Messi.

According to the publication, his intention was to speak to the former Barca star about rejoining the club once his contract in France expires.

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Messi is contracted to Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The publication went on to state that Laporta decided at the last minute to stay at home, as he felt it was not the right occasion to discuss the veteran striker's future.

A difficult choice for Messi

As it stands, Messi has been linked with three different clubs. His performance at the FIFA World Cup is proof that he's still got what it takes to perform at the highest level.

As noted by Marca, the 35-year-old has a choice of returning to La Blaugrana, the club that gave him his big break, or heading to Inter Miami in the United States of America, where he could play alongside his good friend Luis Suarez.

The Argentinian also has the option of remaining in France with PSG and possibly leading the club to its first UEFA Champions League trophy.

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Barcelona plans huge Messi statue

Sports Brief also reported that Barca chief Laporta is planning to build a massive statue of Messi outside Camp Nou.

The Catalan giants are eager to bring their former captain back to the club, two years after he left Catalonia for the French capital.

With the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner having just one year left on his current contract with PSG, La Blaugrana are keen to bring him back to Spain next summer.

Laporta responsible for Messi's departure

FC Barcelona president Laporta has taken responsibility for Messi's departure from the club, nearly two years after the superstar left the Catalan giants.

Laporta promised to keep Messi as part of his campaign message during the La Liga giants' presidential elections.

He failed to honour this pledge, as the Argentine emotionally parted ways with La Blaugrana, Sports Brief previously reported.