Laporta, Messi, and Flick: A Barcelona Chronicle of Fire, Faith, and a Gladiator Coach
13 October 2025
Laporta, Messi, and Flick: A Barcelona Chronicle of Fire, Faith, and a Gladiator Coach
Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke candidly about his relationship with Lionel Messi, the Argentine great who left Barca to join Inter Miami, and about Hansi Flick, the coach he regards as a gladiator on the field. The remarks, highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, framed his thoughts on leadership and the club's direction.
Laporta emphasized his love for Barca and his sense of duty to steer the club through difficult times. He said he cherishes the role, and when challenges arise he feels compelled to intervene and guide the team back toward stability and progress.
He acknowledged the long-standing friendship with Messi had endured for years, briefly stretched after the contract renewal talks, and later softened as the club prepared a fitting tribute. He expressed confidence that Messi would be honored in a manner worthy of his mark on Barca.
On Flick, Laporta described him as a gladiator in the modern game, calm yet relentless, with a touch of Russell Crowe’s intensity in his public persona. He called Flick an extraordinary discovery and a top coach, whose German rigor blends with a genuine care for players.
Laporta spoke about the leadership profile needed at Barca: responsibility, honesty, and a readiness to earn trust by keeping promises. He insisted that the club’s interests must come first, and that Barca’s identity—Catalonia’s symbol and a global ambassador—requires openness to different ideas.
Laporta admitted his own temperament is passionate: when angry he feels like a champagne bottle about to explode, but he argues the wrath passes quickly and he bears no grudges.
In closing, he spoke of the people around him—colleagues on the board, his secretary, and even his grown children who now have opinions—and reminded listeners not to pretend to know more than the coach or the sporting director. Barcelona’s leadership must be humble and loyal.
Messi’s legendary Barca journey began in Rosario in 1987; he joined La Masia in 2000 at thirteen and debuted for the first team in 2004 under Frank Rijkaard, becoming Barca’s youngest scorer at the time.
With Guardiola arriving in 2008, Messi evolved into the heart of the project, often deployed as a false nine and becoming its most influential figure.
Messi helped Barca win three titles in a historic treble in 2008-09 and repeated the achievement in 2015 under Luis Enrique.
Over 17 seasons (2004–2021) Messi played more than 770 matches, scored 672 goals, and assisted over 300, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer.
Messi won 35 titles with Barca, including 10 league crowns, 4 Champions Leagues, 7 Copa del Rey trophies, and 3 Club World Cups. Not only a scorer, he was a visionary playmaker who linked Xavi and Iniesta and helped Barca dominate the modern era.
Despite the triumphs, his Barca story ended in 2021 amid financial constraints that forced his departure for Paris Saint‑Germain, ending an era but sealing Messi’s enduring bond with Barca. Yet Messi remains a symbol of Barca’s enduring creativity, a beacon for fans and a reminder that football can redefine an era.
Today the legend’s influence persists in the club’s culture and in the memories of the supporters who witnessed his magic. Punchlines to end on a lighter note: When Laporta is angry, it’s like a champagne cork—loud, fizzy, and then it’s back to the business of football. Punchline two: Messi’s magic is so legendary that even gravity takes a step back—wherever he is, the ball seems to find him.
