Joan Laporta, former president of Barcelona, disclosed that Lionel Messi rejected his greeting at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2023, highlighting tensions between the two. This encounter occurred two years after Messi’s departure from Barcelona, reflecting a fractured relationship between the club legend and its leadership. The Messi Laporta strained relationship is believed to stem from the circumstances surrounding Messi’s exit as a free agent in 2021 and the emotional fallout thereafter.
During an interview with Catalunya Radio, Laporta shared that the forward indicated they did not need to greet each other, suggesting lingering resentment over how Messi’s exit was handled. The Argentine star, who began his career with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami, has not yet fully reconciled with the club’s management. Laporta remains hopeful for future rapprochement, despite the current strain.
“The relationship with Messi isn’t what it used to be. There was also an incident at the Ballon d’Or ceremony where I went to greet him, and he felt we shouldn’t greet each other. Since then, there has been some rapprochement, and hopefully, this will continue in the future. The relationship is strained, but he’s a Barcelona legend”, he said (via GOAL).
Background on Messi’s Departure and Attempts to Rejoin Barcelona
In the summer of 2021, Lionel Messi was on the verge of signing a contract extension with Barcelona when unexpected financial constraints forced the club to withdraw the offer, leading to his departure as a free agent. These financial troubles meant Barcelona could no longer accommodate their iconic player on their payroll, compelling Messi to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Following his move to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi later expressed interest in returning to Barcelona, reportedly receiving some form of assurances from the club. Despite these talks, no deal was reached, and Messi opted to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His absence from Barcelona’s stadium and official farewells continues to resonate deeply within the club and its fanbase, marked by only a brief private visit to an empty Nou Camp in the past year.
With Barcelona’s presidential elections approaching, candidates have frequently discussed the possibility of Messi’s homecoming, underscoring the ongoing desire among stakeholders for reconciliation and closure.
Laporta Advocates for a Monument Honoring Messi’s Legacy at Camp Nou
In addition to addressing their complicated relationship, Joan Laporta emphasized that Messi deserves a permanent tribute at Barcelona’s stadium, advocating for a statue to honor the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Laporta stated on Catalunya Radio that such an homage should follow the completion of the stadium’s expansion, which aims to increase its capacity to over 100,000 spectators.
The proposed statue would join existing monuments dedicated to football legends Johan Cruyff and Laszlo Kubala, recognizing Messi’s unparalleled contributions during his time with the club. As Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer and assister, Messi remains their most decorated player, making such a tribute a significant symbol for the club and its supporters.
“Leo deserves a statue at Camp Nou like the ones Cruyff and Kubala have. He deserves a tribute, and we believe the right time to do it is when the stadium is completely finished and has a capacity of over 100,000″, he said.
Messi’s departure in 2021 left a lasting impact on Barcelona, with hopes lingering among fans and officials that one day he will return not only as a visitor but as an honored figure permanently enshrined at his boyhood club.
