Joan Laporta’s recent interviews have caused him to trend on soccer Twitter. In these interviews, Laporta made statements about various topics concerning FC Barcelona. One of the main topics that is generating headlines is Barcelona’s failed attempt to re-sign Lionel Messi from PSG.
In a recent interview, Joan Laporta opened up about the situation and explained, “We informed Messi that as soon as we had enough FPP to sign him, we would do so. Some time passed, and we had everything agreed upon with his contract. However, Jorge Messi approached me and informed us that Lionel had made the decision to sign for Inter Miami.”
By shifting the blame onto Lionel Messi‘s camp, Laporta has once again sparked controversy. He claimed that FC Barcelona could have signed Messi, but the Argentine superstar chose Inter Miami over the Spanish side.
As of now, Lionel Messi’s camp has not responded to the new comments made by Joan Laporta during his interview. The Argentine player is currently awaiting his formal presentation as a new player in Miami.
Joan Laporta on authorization from La Liga to Resign Lionel Messi
Laporta further clarified certain claims that Barcelona never submitted a formal offer to Lionel Messi. He stated, “Look, we received authorization from La Liga for Leo’s contract to be accommodated. It was a matter that was discussed and finalized with Jorge.”
❗️Messi said Barça never sent him a formal offer…
Laporta: “Look, we had the authorisation from La Liga for Leo’s contract to fit in. It was something that was discussed with Jorge and it was all defined.” pic.twitter.com/LYs5VtwEut
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 11, 2023
Laporta made it clear that FC Barcelona was prepared to extend a new contract offer to Lionel Messi. They had obtained clearance from La Liga regarding the new contract and FFP considerations. The details were discussed with Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi. However, as mentioned earlier, Leo ultimately opted for Miami instead of FC Barcelona.
This saga has resulted in confusion, with each party shifting the blame to different entities. Barcelona’s fans are particularly disappointed as they have missed out on the opportunity to witness the superstar once again donning their club’s colors.
FC Barcelona is still paying Lionel Messi wages till 2025
In a recent interview with La Vanguardia, Laporta revealed that FC Barcelona had unpaid wages owed to Lionel Messi under his contract. FC Barcelona shockingly let Lionel Messi leave in 2021 when they couldn’t renew his contract, which expired on June 30 of that year.
Leo Messi: “Now I enjoy and appreciate everything more because I realize that these are the last years and when I retire I will appreciate everything more.” @TV_Publica ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dImtEDZt5d
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 12, 2023
According to numerous reports, FC Barcelona hadn’t paid certain wages outlined in Messi’s contract due to their financial difficulties at the time. The club was supposed to pay approximately $56.6 million by 2022.
In the latest remarks, Barça still has outstanding payments with the 2022 World Cup Winner “until 2025”. Laporta informed La Vanguardia that the pending payments are deferred wages agreed upon with the board of his predecessor, Josep Bartomeu, and these payments are scheduled to be settled by 2025.