Joan Laporta could not renew Lionel Messi, forcing the iconic figure to depart Barcelona under emotional circumstances that left players, staff, and fans moved to tears. Today, the Barça president signals that the wound remains fresh and he again nods to the legendary number ten who capped Argentina with the last World Cup title in Qatar.
Relevo has gathered remarks from the Blaugrana leader on Joe Pimplano’s YouTube channel The business and money behind sports, where Laporta discusses Messi’s situation. He stated that a pathway must be found to improve Messi’s current relationship with Barca, adding that the doors of the club remain open. The interview, recorded February 28 and published March 23, highlights this ongoing effort to keep lines of communication alive with the player who many still equate with the club’s golden era.
Laporta framed his stance by recalling the heavy burden of the legacy he confronted when taking the presidency. He described a decision he made that did not leave him fully satisfied, underscoring the complexity of balancing history with a modern club’s needs. He stressed that his aim has always been respectful and measured, especially when talking about a figure who shaped an entire generation of Barça supporters and contributed to the club’s prestige on the global stage.
When asked about the greatest player of all time, Laporta offered a careful and thoughtful response. He affirmed that Messi is the best player in history and has been the most influential figure in Barcelona’s narrative. He acknowledged the delicacy of the moment, noting that Messi is currently a PSG player and deserves respect for his professional commitments there. The president emphasized that Leo knows his place in Barça’s heart and that the club’s shield remains a symbol of the bond they created, a bond Messi helped forge through years of remarkable achievements.
Rumors continue to swirl about a potential Messi return to Barcelona, yet there has been no formal offer from Barça and no direct approach from the Argentine star. Messi remains focused on the terms of his contract with PSG, a deal that runs until the end of June. The ongoing dialogue surrounding a possible reunion reflects the enduring affection between Messi and the club, a relationship that persists despite the current club allegiances and competitive realities in Europe’s top leagues. In the meantime, both sides appear to be keeping channels open, signaling mutual respect and a shared recognition of what Messi contributed to Barcelona’s history and its global appeal.
In the broader context, Barcelona continues to navigate the challenges of squad evolution, financial constraints, and the ever-present pressure to compete at the highest level. The Messi chapter remains a reference point in these discussions, reminding fans and stakeholders of the standards the club seeks to uphold. The conversation about Messi is not simply about sentiment; it is about legacy, marketability, and the emotional resonance that a single player can have with a club’s identity and its supporters around the world. The discourse, carried through media appearances and official statements, underscores how some players transcend eras and continue to influence decisions long after their departure. (Goal)