Messi's Exit Still Haunts Laporta; Barça–Madrid Drama Goes On Behind the Scenes

Key Points

Laporta wants to close the chapter on the disputes. Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that Lionel Messi's departure from the Catalan club in 2021 still pains him, and he ponders the club's future ahead.

In an interview with RTVE's Jordi Basté, he said: It's sad. Messi gave much to Barcelona, and Barcelona gave much to Messi. I hope we meet again today.

Rivalry and Reactions

He even compared Barcelona's dressing room with Real Madrid's, noting: In Madrid's dressing room you feel power; in Barcelona you breathe freedom, even in difficult times.

Regarding Florentino Pérez, Laporta said the relationship rests on respect, but criticized Pérez for inflating the Negreira case; the talk is gum-thick, yet legal steps show nothing.

He continued: Pérez is entangled with Barcelona; in their annual meetings they discuss Barça more than their own club.

Laporta defended Barcelona, saying we have evidence; Real Madrid has lived 72 years with a referees' committee of partners or former players.

On Javier Tebas, La Liga's president, he said he trusts him and that Tebas is a noble man who keeps his word, at press conferences.

Conversely, he described Pérez's remarks about him as offside and deliberate, clearly aimed and directed.

He ended by noting Madrid's push to replace La Liga's president; I'm sure they have the name already, proof of Madrid's influence.

Before making his stance clear, he said Tebas should stay on, for the good of football and the sport worldwide.