Laporta speaks out on Messi departure, Negreira case and Real Madrid tension – ‘I did what I had to do’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has once again stepped into the spotlight, addressing some of the most sensitive topics surrounding the club in a recent interview with El Pais. 

From Lionel Messi’s emotional departure to ongoing tensions with Real Madrid, Laporta offered a direct and unapologetic perspective.

One of the key topics was Messi’s exit in 2021, a decision that continues to define the club’s modern era. 

Laporta made it clear that, from his point of view, the move was necessary in order to rebuild the squad and secure Barcelona’s long-term future.

“I did what I had to do. Leo was nearing the end of his career and we needed to build a new team. 

“Would I have liked to build the new team with Leo’s help? Yes. We tried, but it wasn’t to be,” he began.

Messi’s legacy and future at Barcelona

Despite the separation, Laporta left the door open for a future reconnection with the Argentine icon, both symbolically and emotionally.

The Barcelona president emphasised Messi’s importance in the club’s history, placing him among the greatest figures to ever represent the Blaugrana.

“He is a key player of his generation: Kubala, Cruyff and Messi. He deserves a statue and a tribute match. Barça is his home. 

“The relationship in the future and the immediate present will be as Leo wants and as Barça wants. At some point, interests will converge again.”

The Negreira case allegations

Another major talking point was the ongoing Negreira case, which has generated significant controversy around the club. 

Laporta has reflected on Messi’s exit. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Laporta strongly rejected the idea that the situation would leave a lasting stain on Barcelona’s history.

“No, that’s more of an institutional smear campaign that, fortunately, hasn’t been successful. There are interests at play coming from Madrid.”

He went even further when discussing refereeing bias, suggesting that Barcelona have historically been treated unfairly compared to their rivals.

“I’ve always felt that we have to be far superior, because the referees don’t favour us. Here, it seems they always help Madrid. 

“They’ve got ‘Barcelonitis’ – it’s obvious. 

“Now they’re criticising us for hiring someone who had been vice-president, whilst they’ve had presidents of the referees’ committee linked to Madrid”

Relationship with Florentino Perez

Laporta also addressed his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, confirming that tensions have increased in recent times. 

Their connection, once aligned through projects like the European Super League, has now cooled significantly.

“It’s been quite a while (since we last spoke). Since his appearance in the Negreira case, the relationship has deteriorated. 

“I respect him and I feel that he has respected me as well.

“We decided to pull out of the Super League because it had lost its purpose: it wasn’t coming to fruition, and we’d already told them that. 

“Furthermore, UEFA was taking steps to improve the sustainability of football in Europe,” he said.