Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 was a decision that Laporta claims he has no remorse about. “No one is above the club,” Laporta said.
As his previous contract expired, La Liga giants strove desperately to keep a club legend on their books, but financial constraints at Camp Nou made an extension impossible, and an emotional parting was unavoidable.
Questions have been raised about whether both sides of the negotiations should have done more to reach an agreement, but Laporta insists he behaved in the best interests of a team that is adjusting to life without a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Messi’s departure?” Laporta told BarcaTV+. It was the most difficult decision I’d ever taken. I was dreading having to make a choice. Messi may be the greatest player in history, but we were in a same scenario.
“I had to make a tough decision on Messi, but I’m not sorry.” No one is exempt from the club’s rules. With Messi, we were confronted with reality. There isn’t much else to say.
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“However, Barcelona’s history continues, and with hard effort and the right decisions, we can reclaim our former glory.” That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
When Messi left Barcelona, what did he say?
In August 2021, an all-time great bid a heartbreaking farewell to Barca, bringing an end to a career-long affiliation with the Catalan giants.
During a record-setting spell in Spanish football, Lionel Messi made 778 appearances for the club, scoring 672 goals and helping himself to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
“We had everything arranged but, at the last minute, it couldn’t happen [Messi staying at Barcelona],” Messi stated as he walked through the exits. I’ve heard a lot of negative things about myself, and this year I really wanted to stay but couldn’t. I said last year that I didn’t want to stay.
“I wanted to stay this year.” I did everything I could, but the club was unable to do so due to La Liga.
“We’ve got to take it and go on.”
“Without a doubt, this is the most difficult time,” he added. We suffered some heartbreaking losses, but football allows you to make amends. However, there is no turning point in this situation.
“I’m quite upset right now since I have to leave a club that I really enjoy.” This was unexpected. I always said it like it was. I wanted to leave last year, but I didn’t want to leave this year.”
Barca struggled to find their feet without Messi, falling behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race and crashing out of the Champions League on a continental level.
They are, however, back in third place in Spain’s top flight and have advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League, while Messi has only scored seven goals in 24 appearances for PSG, despite the fact that he is seeking more big accolades of his own.
