FC Barcelona may soon change presidents, with elections on the horizon. Could Joan Laporta’s possible departure pave the way for Lionel Messi’s return? It seems unlikely, as the outgoing president has confirmed that things between him and La Pulga are far from smooth.
The relationship between Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi has remained fragile since the Argentine’s departure from FC Barcelona in 2021. Speaking on Catalunya Ràdio, the Catalan president admitted that relations have been “tense,” notably referring to an awkward moment during the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, where Messi reportedly refused to greet him.
Tense Relationship Between Messi and Laporta Since 2021
“My relationship with Messi is no longer what it used to be. There was an incident at the Ballon d’Or ceremony when I went to greet him, and he felt that we should not greet each other. Since then, there has been some rapprochement, and I hope it continues. The relationship is tense, but he remains a legend of FC Barcelona,” Joan Laporta acknowledged.
Laporta did note, however, that there has been slight progress in recent months, even if the bond is not what it once was. He also revealed that he had not been informed of Messi’s return to Camp Nou last November, emphasizing that the Argentine icon will always be welcome in “his” stadium.
“I knew he was in Barcelona because the Argentine national team was playing there, but I was unaware of the other reason. It is clear that if Messi wishes to step onto the pitch, he must be able to do so at any time. It is his stadium. And that is what happened.”
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