As has been the case for his entire career, Lionel Messi doesn’t like to stir up trouble. The legendary soccer player has avoided the limelight whenever possible, with his more reserved personality frequently highlighted by those close to him. He simply doesn’t like drama.
But it’s been impossible for Messi to ignore what has been happening as of late with FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Former Barca manager Xavi Hernandez sparked nonstop debate with recent comments surrounding Messi’s potential return to the club a few years ago. Xavi is adamant that Laporta was the one who put a stop to Messi’s return, just when everything was set in place, to avoid a power struggle.
Xavi’s comments contradicted what Laporta has previously said about it, and even contradicted what he said himself when he was the manager. Messi, unsurprisingly, has stayed quiet about this entire situation, and would surely love for his name to not be used for anyone’s personal gain. In fact, Laporta is actually on Messi’s hypothetical side in that regard.
Joan Laporta believes Barcelona need to look forward and no longer talk about Messi
Laporta’s contentious presidential debate with candidate Victor Font led to a surprising moment where the current president looked to keep Messi’s name out of current matters. But in the process, he may have taken yet another veiled shot at the club legend.
“Barcelona fans want to talk about the present, with Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi and Flick… not Messi. Full respect for Messi, he deserves a statue alongside Cruyff when the Camp Nou is completed and at full capacity. But his name does not deserve to be exploited.“
While it seemed like a genuine statement from Laporta, his good will has run out when it comes to Messi.
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