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Nieuws
- 43 minutes ago
Barcelona president left 'sad' by Lionel Messi relationship
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 19 Dec 2025 05:18 CST
- 6 min read
Nieuws
Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he has been left "sad" by Lionel Messi's current relationship to the club and him personally.
A product of the famed La Masia academy, the Argentine moved to Spain from Rosario at a young age and when he hit the first team, it was clear he was something special.
Messi evolved into a player that, many believe, is the greatest in history.
Unfortunately for Messi and Barcelona, he was forced to leave the club under a cloud in 2021 after the Blaugrana could not afford to register him as a player due to stringent La Liga rulings on wage budgets.
Following that departure, Laporta hit headlines when he said it was his wish that Messi played for the club for free.
"There came a time when both parties saw that it would not be possible. There was disappointment on both sides," Laporta said to radio station RAC1.
"He wanted to stay but they also had a lot of pressure because of the offer they had. I hoped Messi would do a U-turn and he would say he would play for free.
"I would have liked that and I would have been all for it. It is my understanding La Liga would have accepted it. But we cannot ask a player of Messi's stature to do this."
Messi then completely denied that he was ever asked to play for free
"As I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free," he confirmed to Sport.
"I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were able to help the club more. The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona.
"This makes people think and generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve."
It is these kind of interactions that have led to a fracture in the relationship between Messi and the hierarchy at Camp Nou.
It was always assumed by most that the player would complete an emotional return to Barca at some point for a proper farewell. That hasn't happened and he eventually left PSG to sign for Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, with whom he has just signed a new three-year deal.
A return in a playing capacity is therefore extremely unlikely.
Commenting on the current status of Messi and Barcelona, Laporta told La2CAT:
"I am a Barca fan and above all else is the institution. We called each other on his birthday when he left. Alejandro (Echevarria) put us in touch. It was an affectionate conversation, although it has had no consequences and the subject has left me sad."
That call is the only time Messi and Laporta have talked in four years.
Barcelona presidential candidate wants Messi back
A candidate to become the president of FC Barcelona has vowed to bring Lionel Messi back in some capacity.
"We already said in 2021 that he was the best generational bridge in sporting terms and an economic engine," presidential candidate Marc Ciria told club members.
"We need Leo Messi and we will do whatever it takes to bring him back."
Ciria stopped short of saying what role he wold like Messi to have upon his return.
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