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New Delhi: Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened up about the club's relationship with Lionel Messi, admitting that ties were "strained" following the financial crisis that forced the Argentine superstar to leave Catalonia in 2021. Messi has spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, but had to move on after the club could not afford a new contract. Since then, Laporta says the relationship has improved and there are discussions about a possible return to Camp Nou for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, potentially for an exhibition match.
After leaving Barcelona, Messi had a short stint with Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. While he won more major honours in France alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe but adapting to life in Paris proved challenging for Messi and his family. In 2023, he moved to MLS with Inter Miami, where he started a new chapter in his career.
Messi's departure did not slow his remarkable performances. Over the years, he has continued to add more trophies to his cabinet and set records as Barcelona remains keen to recognise his contributions as the club's all-time leading scorer. Laporta emphasised the importance of giving Messi the tribute he deserves whenever he returns to Blaugrana, particularly after the renovations at Camp Nou are completed.
When asked to choose between Messi and John Cruyff as Barcelona's "God", Laporta picked Cruyff but he praised Messi for his professionalism and the strong bond they have rebuilt since the contract issue. “We have had a very good relationship with Messi. When we did not renew the contract, it was damaged, and then we recovered it to some extent,” Laporta said.
While a Messi reunion remains a potential future event, Barcelona are focused on competing for major honours in the present. Under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick, the team claimed three trophies last season including La Liga. Laporta praised Flick as demanding yet sensitive, highlighting his ability to manage players effectively while being highly committed to his plans.
Barcelona also have exciting new talent to watch after Messi's departure, such as teenage winger Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old has been making waves globally but is currently sidelined due to injury. The hope is that Yamal will recover in time to feature in the much-anticipated Clasico clash against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.
Laporta's comments reflect a club balancing its storied past with a promising present and future. While Messi's return for a special occasion remains a possibility, Barca continue to build under Flick with rising stars like Yamal ready to carry the legacy forward on his shoulders.
