Former and potential future FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted in interviews with Spanish media that Lionel Messi avoids him and their relationship is tense. A key example was the 2023 Ballon d'Or gala, where, despite both being present, no greeting occurred. Laporta, seeking to return to the position, is commenting on this publicly in the context of the upcoming club elections.

No contact during the gala

During the Ballon d'Or gala in October 2023 in Paris, where Messi received the award and Laporta accompanied Aitana Bonmatí, there was no greeting between them.

Tensions since the 2021 split

Relations cooled after Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain, which was caused by Barcelona's financial problems preventing a contract extension.

Context of Barcelona elections

Laporta, a contender in the upcoming club presidential elections, is raising the topic of his relationship with the legend, which could affect his image among fans.

Joan Laporta, the former president of FC Barcelona and a candidate for the position in the upcoming elections, confirmed in a series of interviews with Spanish media that his relationship with Lionel Messi is severely strained, and the star player actively avoids him. The most telling example Laporta gave was the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in October 2023 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. During this gala, Lionel Messi received his record-breaking eighth award, while Joan Laporta accompanied the Spanish women's category winner, Aitana Bonmatí. Despite being in the same place at the same time, there was no contact between the two men – neither in the theatre nor earlier at the hotel where preparations were held.

Lionel Messi joined FC Barcelona as a teenager and became a club icon, winning 10 Spanish league titles and 4 Champions Leagues with them. Joan Laporta was first club president from 2003-2010, during the beginning of Messi's success. He returned to the position in March 2021, just before the crisis that led to the player's departure. Messi's departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 was one of the most spectacular transfers in recent years and left a mark on their relationship. The official reason was the club's dire financial situation, which prevented registering a new contract with the player, even after he agreed to a significant salary reduction. The leadership, headed by Laporta, announced they could no longer keep the star. Messi then moved to Paris Saint-Germain, and later to Inter Miami. Since then, as Laporta admits, their relations are "diminished." In an interview with "La Razón," the former president stated plainly: "No me saluda" ("He doesn't greet me").

„No me saluda” (He doesn't greet me) — Joan Laporta Laporta's statements come at a crucial moment ahead of the presidential elections at FC Barcelona. As one of the main contenders for the president's seat, Laporta must court the votes of club members, for whom Messi remains a legend. Raising the topic of chilly relations with the idol can be both risky and strategic – on one hand, it highlights the tough financial realpolitik of his previous term, and on the other, it reminds people of the painful split, for which some fans blame the leadership. This personal story reflects broader tensions in modern football between sentiment and brutal economics, and between loyalty to the club and relationships with the stars who helped build it.

Mentioned People

  • Joan Laporta — Former and potential future president of FC Barcelona
  • Lionel Messi — Argentinian footballer, FC Barcelona legend, currently at Inter Miami
  • Aitana Bonmatí — Spanish footballer, winner of the 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or