Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about his relationship with Argentine star Lionel Messi, admitting he is saddened by their current situation.
Messi is believed to still be angry with Laporta over the way he was forced to leave the club in 2021, after he had thought he would be offered a new contract to stay at Camp Nou.
In an interview with the program “Pla Seqüència” on La2CAT, Laporta expressed his regret over the manner of Messi’s departure, but added: “I am a Barcelona fan, and the club’s interests come before everything else.”
The Catalan club president revealed that he has only spoken to Messi once since his departure, saying: “We called each other on his birthday after he left. Alejandro Echevarría connected us. It was a friendly conversation, and although it didn’t lead to anything, it left a lingering sadness.”
Messi recently made a surprise visit to the Spotify Camp Nou, having repeatedly expressed his longing for Barcelona. Laporta spoke about the details of that visit, revealing his strong desire to mend fences.
“He came with some friends from the national team and Pepe Costa,” Laporta said. “They saw the lights on and decided to come. The security director contacted the stadium coordinator, and they were allowed in.”
He continued, “In the club’s 125-year history, Messi’s era is one of the most glorious, if not the most glorious, so he deserves to be honored. He’s a Barcelona icon with a huge influence. He’s given so much to the club, and Barça has given him so much too. We hope to meet again.”
Laporta concluded, “It depends on the other side, but I’m ready to fix anything… whether it’s a tribute ceremony or a statue.”
