Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed the strained relationship with Lionel Messi, disclosing the Argentine snubbed him at a Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Speaking ahead of fresh elections, Laporta explained the circumstances behind Messi’s 2021 departure, insisting the club could not afford his wages under LaLiga’s salary-cap rules despite reaching an agreement.
“The amounts of his contract if we renewed it were unaffordable, and that is why he could not continue,” Laporta said. He admitted the relationship is damaged, recounting: “There was also an incident at the Ballon d’Or award ceremony in which I went to greet him and he considered that we did not have to greet each other.”
Laporta blamed previous administration’s mismanagement for the financial crisis but maintained that “Barça is above players, directors or presidents.” He expressed hope for future rapprochement, acknowledging Messi remains “a legend of Barça.”
KEY POINTS
Laporta’s revelation highlights the personal fallout from Messi’s traumatic Barcelona exit.
It underscores the tension between club finances and player-legacy considerations.
Laporta faces political pressure, while Messi’s camp maintains distance.
This signals that wounds from Messi’s departure remain unhealed.
The timing, during elections, uses Messi’s legacy as political tool.
Laporta reveals Messi snubbed him at Ballon d’Or as fractured relationship persists, blaming financial constraints for 2021 exit despite earlier promises.
Sources: Pulse Sports, Football Espana