“The relationship is damaged”: Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals relationship with Lionel Messi is still broken

One of the most painful unresolved stories in football is the emotional distance between Lionel Messi and Barcelona. Even though the Argentine star left years ago, the relationship between him and the club he made famous seems to be getting worse.

Recent comments from president Joan Laporta confirm that the relationship hasn't healed yet. For fans who grew up watching Messi change what it means to be great in a Barça shirt, the idea that the relationship has cooled still seems strange.Messi's departure in 2021 shocked the football world and changed the club's identity forever. Because of money problems, Barcelona had to make decisions that people didn't like.

After that, not only did a legend die, but trust was broken as well. Laporta now says that trying to fix that bridge has been hard, showing how personal and institutional pain still affects the situation.

Joan Laporta confirms relationship strain but calls Messi a club legend

Speaking about the current state of their relationship, Laporta acknowledged that tensions remain and even recalled an awkward encounter at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

“My 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, but he felt we shouldn’t even say hello to each other.

Since then, there have been some attempts to reconnect, and we hope it will happen in the future. The relationship is damaged, but he remains a Barça legend.We didn’t want to sign an agreement with CVC just to register Leo Messi, because we considered it harmful for the club.Barça stands above any player, director, or president, and we simply couldn’t do it. This is what hurt me the most as president.These are disappointing moments, like when Koeman, Xavi, Piqué and others left.

These are tough times, but we couldn’t accept it.The figures in his contract, had we renewed it, would have been exorbitant, which is why he couldn’t continue.”Laporta’s explanation centers on financial reality rather than choice. Barcelona’s economic crisis made Messi’s renewal impossible without structural compromises the club believed would jeopardize its future. Many supporters, however, still question whether more could have been done to preserve the relationship.Messi has changed the course of his career since leaving. He started with Paris Saint-Germain and is now with Inter Miami, where he is still growing his global influence. But in Barcelona, his legacy is still very important. Even when he's not there, murals, chants, and memories keep him alive at Camp Nou.It might take some time to make up, but history shows that Messi and Barcelona's relationship is stronger than the current problems. For now, there is still respect. But healing is still a work in progress.