Barcelona President Reveals Surprising Truth About Messi

President Joan Laporta explains the decision to part ways with Lionel Messi in 2021, stating it was a necessary step for Barcelona's reconstruction and future direction.

President Joan Laporta recently shared candid insights about the decision to let Lionel Messi leave Barcelona in 2021, affirming it was a mandatory move to secure the long-term future of the Catalan club.

In an interview with El País, Laporta admitted parting with the club's greatest-ever player was an emotional decision, but entirely driven by financial realities and sporting strategy. He emphasized that Barcelona had no other choice at that time besides undertaking a comprehensive rebuild.

“I did what had to be done. Leo was at the final stage of his career and we needed to build a new team. Did I want to build that team with Leo? Yes. We tried, but it couldn't happen,” Laporta shared.

Although the 2021 separation happened with much regret, the Barcelona leader affirmed the bond between Messi and the club is not over. He believes the 2022 World Cup champion deserves special honors at Camp Nou in the future.

“Messi is the symbol of an entire generation, like Ladislao Kubala or Johan Cruyff. He deserves a statue and a tribute match. Barcelona will always be Messi's home,” Laporta emphasized, while hinting at the possibility the two sides might “meet again” when mutual interests align.

Besides the Messi story, Laporta also addressed the controversial Negreira case—an investigation concerning Barcelona's payments to a former refereeing official. The Barcelona president dismissed all accusations, calling it a “systematic smear campaign” originating from forces in Madrid.

“I always felt we had to be significantly superior, because the referees weren't on our side. Here, it seems they always help Real Madrid. They suffer from ‘Barcelona sickness’ when it's so obvious,” Laporta said.

Finally, Laporta also revealed his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has deteriorated, especially since the Negreira case erupted. The two were once allies in the European Super League project, but Barcelona later withdrew.

“We haven't spoken for quite some time. The relationship worsened since he appeared in the Negreira case. Still, I respect him. Barcelona left the Super League because the project no longer fit, and UEFA is also implementing reforms to ensure sustainable development for European football,” Laporta concluded.