Messi and Laporta, the tension continues
Barça: Laporta reveals an incident with Messi
The relationship between Lionel Messi and Joan Laporta still appears to be marked by a certain distance. According to the Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo, the FC Barcelona president admitted that his ties with the Argentine legend are no longer as warm as they once were.
Laporta specifically mentioned a telling moment that took place during the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
"The relationship with Messi is not what it used to be. There was also an incident at the Ballon d'Or ceremony where I went to greet him and he felt there was no need for us to exchange greetings," the Catalan executive revealed.
Despite this situation, Laporta insists he still hopes for a future reconciliation.
"Since then, there have been a few attempts to smooth things over and we hope it will happen in the future. The relationship is damaged, but he remains a Barça legend," he explained.
The Barcelona president also stressed that the Argentine will always have a home at Camp Nou:
"Leo deserves a statue and a tribute once the stadium is finished."