The Messi–Romero clash: origins of the tension and the liar accusation
The disagreement between Lionel Messi and the Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has deeper roots than a single post after a Ballon d’Or gala. For supporters in North America and beyond, understanding where Messi’s anger comes from requires tracing events that began long before the latest public exchange. The Argentine forward, who plays for Inter Miami, addressed information shared by Romero and his Jijantes FC platform, and his reaction extended beyond a mere rebuttal to a rumor. It touched on trust, family privacy, and the responsible handling of news across football media landscapes today.
What sparked Messi’s response? A claim circulating on social media suggested that discussions between Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, and Messi had taken place at the Ballon d’Or gala to arrange a tribute date. The post appeared on the social channels of Jijantes FC, a source connected to Romero. Messi reacted with a blunt denial, posting, You lie again, and underscored the importance of factual accuracy in reporting about events that involve his family as well as his professional future. The conversation highlighted how quickly information can spread and how easily it can influence perceptions about a player’s career decisions.
Following Messi’s Instagram message, Romero issued a public apology. He wrote that he had been misled again and accepted responsibility for the mistake. The apology acknowledged the impact of misinformation on fans and on Messi’s family, signaling a commitment to improve the accuracy of future reports. The public exchange underscored the delicate balance journalists must maintain between speed, transparency, and verification in high-profile sports coverage.
Where the tension originated and why the lie accusation mattered
During mid-2023, a previous fallout between Messi and Romero had already brought attention to the journalist’s reporting tactics. Romero had shared information about a potential return to Barcelona that contradicted the player’s public statements and timelines. The issue extended beyond the topic of whether Messi would rejoin a former club. Messi was clear that his children should not be drawn into speculative discussions about his professional future, a concern that resonates with fans who want their idols to maintain privacy away from the spotlight.
The Argentine made it clear that any suggestion of his father calling LaLiga on a contract matter with Barcelona was inaccurate. He emphasized his family’s privacy and urged the media to handle information with greater responsibility, especially when minors are involved. Romero, for his part, admitted that some of the information circulated had stretched the truth and affected how the public perceived potential moves.
Romero had previously stoked optimism about a return to Camp Nou, messaging rumors that did not come to pass. He also claimed that Messi’s father had called LaLiga to discuss a possible Barcelona contract. Messi publicly rejected those claims, and the move ultimately led to his transfer to Inter Miami. The core issue for Messi was not only the speculation itself but the personal toll such rumors could take on his family and their sense of privacy in a world that treats personal life as public property.
Messi stressed that his children should not be part of rumors about his career. He urged journalists to exercise restraint when reporting on family matters and to respect the boundaries that protect a player’s private life. The episode encouraged discussions about ethical reporting in sports media and the responsibility of outlets to verify information before presenting it as fact.
Romero explains his perspective on Messi’s anger
In a later interview, Romero reflected on the episode and acknowledged that mentioning a son’s supposed desires to return to Barcelona crossed a line. He apologized for that part of the discussion, noting that it could cause personal hurt. Romero also expressed that his aim had been to explore the feasibility of a possible move, given the club’s interest and the broader context of Messi’s career trajectory. He admitted the need for caution when discussing rumors that involve family members and acknowledged the emotional impact such rumors can have on the player and his relatives.
Source: Goal