Laporta and Font’s back-and-forth on Messi’s Barcelona legacy: ‘Want to heal the open wound’ | OneFootball

The name of Lionel Messi once again became the centre of a passionate discussion surrounding the future of Barcelona. 

During a recent debate between presidential figures Joan Laporta and Victor Font, the Argentine’s legacy and relationship with the club sparked one of the most intense moments of the evening.

Messi remains the most iconic player in Barcelona’s history, and any conversation involving his legacy naturally draws strong opinions. 

The debate quickly became heated when the two candidates presented very different views about how the club should approach Messi in the coming years.

What did Laporta say?

Laporta addressed the topic first and attempted to calm the discussion by explaining that the club is already planning a special tribute for the Argentine star. 

The Barcelona president emphasised that the club wants to honour Messi in the most appropriate way possible, ideally at a moment when the stadium can be filled with supporters to celebrate the player’s legacy.

“We are working on a tribute that will give Messi the special recognition he deserves, with a stadium at full capacity. 

“I think that’s the best thing to do, but now is the time to talk about the present and the future. I think we should now focus on Lamine, Cubarsi, Pedri, Hansi Flick, and company. 

“I repeat, I have the utmost respect for Leo Messi, but it is important not to use him in this election process.”

Font questions Laporta

Despite Laporta’s attempt to move the discussion toward the club’s current project, Font strongly disagreed with the approach and openly criticised the president during the debate.

Messi’s name took the centre stage during the debate. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

He argued that Messi should still play a much more active role in Barcelona’s future and accused Laporta of downplaying the importance of the club’s greatest ever player.

“Messi wants change. We are working on reconciliation with Leo, and we are very excited that it will become a reality very soon. 

“We have been preparing a project for the future with Messi for two years, while you belittle Leo, talking about him as if he were part of the past, and not the present and future. That is belittling him.”

Proposing a role for Messi

Font also used the opportunity to outline several ideas that he believes could rebuild the relationship between Messi and the club.

One of his proposals involves giving the Argentine legend a symbolic role within Barcelona’s structure, similar to the position once held by Johan Cruyff.

“We want Messi to represent Barça as honorary president, as Johan did for such a short time. 

“We also want to associate Messi with the Barça brand, something that would generate millions for us, just like Jordan did with Nike.

“And thirdly, we want to heal the open wound caused by Messi’s departure in August. 

“We want Leo Messi, the sporting management, and Flick to meet to decide how best to bid farewell to Barça. And if he has to play a few games, then so be it. 

“With us, there is no room for contempt,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT