Barcelona President Joan Laporta – ‘It’s been shown I made the right decision on Lionel Messi exit’

Barcelona President Joan Laporta asserts that events during his second term have validated his controversial decision regarding Lionel Messi's departure five years ago. Despite campaigning in 2021 on a platform promising Messi's continued presence, Laporta ultimately informed the Argentine superstar in August of that year that a new contract was not feasible.

Laporta has frequently defended his stance, even as former manager and Messi's ex-teammate, Xavi Hernandez, recently alleged that the president intentionally obstructed Messi's return to the club two years subsequent. In an interview with El Pais (as reported by MD), Laporta articulated his conviction that time has proven his judgment correct.

“I was faced with a critical choice, and I believe it was the correct one; the outcomes speak for themselves. We successfully stabilized the club's financial situation, assembled a competitive squad, and recognized the necessity for a generational shift. Leo was approaching the latter stages of his career, and we had to construct a new team. While I would have welcomed the opportunity to build that new team with Leo contributing, it ultimately proved unattainable despite our efforts.”

Although Messi has expressed a wish to one day return to Camp Nou, such a move appears improbable during Laporta's current presidency.

“The future of this relationship will be determined by both Leo's wishes and Barcelona's objectives. Eventually, our paths will converge once more. Messi stands as a generational icon, alongside greats like Kubala and Cruyff. He merits a statue and a testimonial match. Barcelona will always remain his home.”

Laporta on Officiating and the Negreira Case

Refereeing decisions have emerged as another significant point of contention throughout Laporta's tenure, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona asserting they have been unfairly treated by Spanish match officials.

“I have always believed we need to demonstrate far superior play, as the referees do not favor us. In Spain, it consistently appears that Real Madrid receives assistance. It’s obvious they hold a bias against Barcelona.”

Real Madrid, for their part, persistently highlight the ongoing accusations of sporting corruption faced by Barcelona, known as the 'Negreira case.' Laporta has consistently maintained that these allegations are unfounded.

“This is primarily an institutional smear campaign which, fortunately, has not succeeded. It is fueled by interests stemming from Madrid. Whenever the case approaches a resolution, new, inconclusive evidence is presented. This compels the judge, in an effort to demonstrate due process, to prolong the investigation by another six months.”

The core of the case revolves around payments totaling €7-8 million made over 17 years to Jose Maria Enrique Negreira, the former Vice-President of the Referees' Committee.

“They are attempting to construct a false narrative that referees favor Barcelona over Real Madrid. By doing so, they seek to undermine the most glorious era in the club's history, which commenced under Rijkaard and flourished with Guardiola. They now criticize us for engaging someone who had served as Vice-President, yet they themselves have had Referee Committee presidents with ties to Real Madrid. Furthermore, they fault us for hiring a company where the Vice-President’s son was employed, despite it being a legitimate professional scouting and refereeing consultancy.”

Laporta Denigrates Victor Font Campaign

Regarding the recent elections this month, Laporta offered strong criticism of the campaign conducted by his rival, Victor Font.

“It was a decisive defeat, and they deserved it. Their campaign tactics were unethical. They lodged a complaint filled with inaccuracies and subsequently issued statements designed to sow doubt, such as claiming they would sign Haaland.”

Laporta's remarks allude to a complaint previously filed against him and several board members, alleging money laundering and fraud. While this complaint was dismissed, Font has disavowed any connection to the plaintiff.