Laporta lifts the lid on Messi’s exit, broken relationship and Camp Nou tribute plan | OneFootball

The story of Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona remains one of the most painful chapters in the club’s modern history. 

Now, former president and current presidential candidate Joan Laporta has spoken openly about what really happened and why the relationship between the two is no longer what it once was.

Speaking on Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT), Laporta explained the financial and institutional reasoning behind Messi’s departure. 

He made it clear that the club refused to accept an agreement they believed would harm Barcelona in the long term.

“We didn’t want to sign the CVC deal to be able to register him because we considered it detrimental to the club. 

“Barça is above players, managers, or presidents, and we couldn’t do it. That’s what has made me the saddest as president. 

“These are disappointing moments, like when Koeman, Xavi, Pique, and others left. These are difficult moments, but we couldn’t take it on. 

“The amounts in his contract, if we renewed it, were unaffordable, and that’s why he couldn’t continue,” he explained.

Explaining the rest

Meanwhile, Laporta also reflected on his personal bond with Messi and the affection that existed from his first spell as president. 

He acknowledged that the separation was not easy on a human level.

“I knew both Messi and other players from my first term, and you love and appreciate them. 

Laporta’s relationship with Messi is completely broken. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

“We are very grateful to all these players, but Barça has also done a lot for them. It couldn’t be, and Leo couldn’t continue.”

The relationship, however, did not remain untouched. Laporta revealed that a moment at the Ballon d’Or ceremony deepened the distance between them.

“The relationship with Messi is not what it used to be. There was also an incident at the Ballon d’Or ceremony when I went to greet him and he felt that we shouldn’t greet each other. 

“Since then, there has been some rapprochement and we hope that this will continue in the future. The relationship has been damaged, but he is a legend of Barcelona.”

The Camp Nou visit

He also clarified the episode when Messi visited Camp Nou during renovation works.

“I knew he was in Barcelona because the Argentine national team was playing here, but I didn’t know anything else. 

“It’s clear that if Messi wants to access the field, he should be allowed in whenever possible. It’s his home. And that’s what happened.”

Looking ahead, Laporta confirmed that Barcelona are planning a tribute worthy of Messi’s legacy once the renovated stadium is fully complete.

“Leo deserves a statue at Camp Nou, just like Cruyff has. And he deserves a tribute. 

“We believe that the right time to do this is when the stadium is completely finished and can hold more than 100,000 spectators. Let’s hope it can be done,” he concluded.