From the emotional departure of Lionel Messi to the current tensions with Real Madrid, Laporta offered a direct and unapologetic perspective.
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One of the key issues was Messi’s departure in 2021, a decision that continues to define the club’s modern era.
Laporta made it clear that, from his point of view, the move was necessary to rebuild the squad and secure Barcelona’s long-term future.
“I did what I had to do. Leo was coming to the end of his career and we needed to build a new team.
“Would I have liked to build the new team with the help of Leo? Yes. We tried, but it couldn’t be.” -he began.
Messi’s legacy and future at Barcelona
Despite the separation, Laporta left the door open to a future reconnection with the Argentine icon, both symbolically and emotionally.
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The president of Barcelona highlighted the importance of Messi in the history of the club, placing him among the greatest figures who have ever represented the Blaugrana.
“He is a key player of his generation: Kubala, Cruyff and Messi. He deserves a statue and a tribute match. Barça is his home.
“The relationship in the future and in the immediate present will be as Leo wants and as Barça wants. At some point the interests will converge again.”
The accusations of the Negreira case
Another important topic of conversation was the Negreira case, which has generated significant controversy in the club.
Laporta has reflected on Messi’s departure. (Photo by Ángel Martínez/Getty Images)
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Laporta flatly rejected the idea that the situation left a lasting stain on Barcelona’s history.
“No, it is more of an institutional smear campaign that, fortunately, has not been successful. There are interests at stake coming from Madrid.”
He went even further when discussing refereeing bias, suggesting that Barcelona have historically been treated unfairly compared to their rivals.
“I have always felt that we have to be very superior, because the referees do not favor us, here it seems that they always help Madrid.
“They have ‘Barcelonitis’, it’s obvious.
“Now they criticize us for hiring someone who had been vice president, while they have had presidents of the referee committee linked to Madrid”
Relationship with Florentino Pérez
Laporta also addressed his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, confirming that tensions have increased in recent times.
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Their connection, once aligned through projects such as the European Super League, has now cooled significantly.
“It has been a long time (since we last spoke), since his appearance in the Negreira case the relationship has deteriorated.
“I respect him and I feel that he has respected me too.
“We decided to withdraw from the Super League because it had lost its purpose: it was not coming to fruition and we had already told them so.
“In addition, UEFA was taking steps to improve the sustainability of football in Europe.” said.