Laporta: Messi's departure was difficult but a necessary decision

“Barcelona” president Joan Laporta spoke about the events related to Lionel Messi leaving the club in 2021. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to him, the Argentine player's departure was not based on the administration's desire but rather on the necessity to protect the club's financial interests. Laporta stated that signing a new contract could have caused significant financial damage to the club.

For this reason, the management made such a decision. Laporta described the situation with Messi as one of the most difficult moments in his career.

He compared it to the departures of players like Koeman, Xavi, and Piqué from the club. He emphasized that the costs required to extend the contract were very high, so the matter was not resolved positively.

Additionally, Laporta said that he has known Messi well since his first presidential term and that establishing human relationships with players over the years is a natural process. He stressed that “Barcelona” created great opportunities for these players but did not compromise on the club's principles and financial realities.

The relationship between Laporta and Messi was also discussed. According to the president, a coldness arose between them.

Even at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony, an awkward situation occurred. Messi and Laporta had a cold attitude toward each other for a long time, but later this relationship softened somewhat.

Laporta expressed hope that these relations will be fully restored in the future. It is worth recalling that Lionel Messi spent 17 years at “Barcelona” and became one of the most important symbols in the club's history.

He scored 672 goals in 778 matches and won 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles. According to Laporta, although Messi's departure was an emotional blow, the club's principles and financial stability were prioritized.

Now fans are waiting for Messi's ties with “Barcelona” to improve and end beautifully.