The relationship between Messi and Joan Laporta remains an uncomfortable one.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has attracted the anger of a number of fans by snubbing Lionel Messi when naming the greatest player in history. Laporta instead handed that honor to Dutch icon Johan Cruyff, who enjoyed five glittering years with Barcelona between 1973 and 1978 before returning as a successful manager 10 years later, winning numerous trophies and ushering in a brand of soccer that is still rooted in the club’s identity to this day.
“To me, Cruyff is the best player in football history,” Laporta told TV3 in an emotional tribute to the Dutchman on the 10th anniversary of his death. Nobody can dispute Cruyff’s legacy to the game. A magician during his playing days and a genius on the sidelines, few people have influenced modern soccer quite like Cruyff, the inspiration to Pep Guardiola and the foundation for each of the Manchester City manager’s increasingly numerous disciples. However, many have interpreted Laporta’s words as an attack on Messi, with whom he shares a famously frosty relationship.Messi’s return to Barcelona could hinge on his relationship with Laporta. | JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Imagespresident in 2021 when he was faced with the unenviable prospect of navigating the challenges of finalizing a contract extension for Messi. Financial obstacles ultimately got in the way, and a tearful Messi was left legally unable to renew his contract. He took his talents to Paris Saint-Germain but reportedly left with a feeling of resentment towards Laporta, who is said to have repeatedly assured him of an extension before allowing Messi to leave. Laporta continued to discuss Messi in the years following his departure, much to the Argentine’s frustrations, and it appears as though tensions grew further during negotiations over a potential return in 2023. The president continues to insist that it was Messi who declined a reunion in 2023, citing a desire for a quieter life withBecause of their frosty relationship, Barcelona’s dream to hold a public tribute to Messi has made little progress. Laporta wants a big event and the construction of a statue and has even opened the door to a return in a professional capacity behind the scenes.Just how Messi wants to be involved remains to be seen, but it is believed his relationship with Laporta will need rebuilding before any real progress can be made.Tom Gott is an associate editor for SI FC, having entered the world of soccer media in early 2018 following his graduation from Newcastle University. He specialises in all things Premier League, with a particular passion for academy soccer, and can usually be found rebuilding your favorite team on Football Manager.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Supercomputer Predicts Real Madrid’s La Liga Title Chances After Derby TriumphThe 15-time European champions are putting the pressure on league-leaders Barcelona.
Read more »
Lionel Messi Breaks Historic Pele Record in Inter Miami’s Latest WinThe Argentine has scored half of Inter Miami’s goals across all competitions this season.
Read more »
Mascherano advierte: Messi necesita jugar y no descansar en la recta final hacia un sexto MundialPara Lionel Messi, la prematura eliminación de Inter Miami en la Copa de Campeones de la CONCACAF modificó la antesala del que debe ser el último Mundial de su colosal carrera.
Read more »
‘Fantastic’—Barcelona Target Offers Encouragement Over Summer TransferMarcus Rashford’s uncertain future has brought links to a number of other options.
Read more »
Dan Patrick snubs Taylor Rehmet in Senate committeesDan Patrick snubbed Fort Worth Democratic Sen. Taylor Rehmet in committee assignments.
Read more »
Former Barcelona President Speaks on Start of Financial Woes, Messi’s Exit, LegacyThe man many deem responsible for Barcelona’s downfall defended his presidential tenure in a tell-all interview.
Read more »