Wednesday December 23, 2020
"He can't accept it"
In Barcelona it's Messi Theater again
Lionel Messi's departure from FC Barcelona after the season seems certain. The super star had insisted too vehemently on a separation in the summer. But before the next club boss's freestyle, things get moving again. More than just campaign theater?
Ex-President Josep Bartomeu and the management of FC Barcelona are said to have lied to superstar Lionel Messi repeatedly. That said presidential candidate Joan Laporta, who was president between 2003 and 2010, the American TV broadcaster ESPN. "On top of that, things didn't go the way everyone wanted. He's at a point where he still wants to be successful and win titles," Laporta said ahead of the upcoming election of Bartomeu's successor on January 24th.
Six-time world footballer Messi wanted to leave Barcelona after 20 years in the summer. Barça insisted on the current contract. A change clause that Messi considered valid had expired. In the end, Messi gave in and stayed. His contract expires at the end of the season and he can go on a free transfer. "He can't accept other teams to win the Champions League. And Barça, with Lionel, the best player in the game's history, don't have a team competitive enough to win it," said Laporta.
Laporta hopes that as the new president he can win Messi's trust and get him to stay. "He knows that the offer I am making will be real and I will fulfill it. I think that will help a lot and is an advantage over the other candidates," said Laporta. In addition to tackling the financial distress of the club, which according to Laporta is on the verge of bankruptcy, top priority is "to make Lionel a proposal that will persuade him to stay. I hope I arrive in time. And I have an advantage: Messi's confidence" said Laporta.
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