Lionel Messi and his family still ‘very angry’ with Barcelona president Joan Laporta | OneFootball

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has still not forgiven those behind the scenes at the club for the manner of his departure.

That’s according to Jordi Mestre, who has this week provided an insight into the situation.

Veteran frontman Messi of course brought a close to his iconic stint on the books of Barcelona back in the summer of 2021.

This came after the Blaugrana, owing to ongoing financial issues, retracted a contract renewal offer to the Argentine at the last moment.

Messi, in turn, departed on a free transfer for French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain.

The entire saga left something of a sour taste in the mouths of those associated with Barcelona, none more so than Messi himself.

And if the latest word stemming from the media this week is anything to go by, then it would appear that neither the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, nor those closest to him, have yet forgiven Blaugrana president Joan Laporta for his role in the matter.

Speaking during an interview with Toni Padilla on the Sports360 podcast, as cited by Diario Sport, Jordi Mestre, former vice-president of sport at Barcelona, explained:

“I know from third parties that Leo Messi and his family are very angry with Laporta. Very angry. What was said that it could be fixed with a barbecue has already been seen: nothing.”

Conor Laird – GSFN