Barcelona Presidential Candidate Laporta Doubles Down on Criticism of Leonardo Over Comments on Messi

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta is once again voicing his public displeasure over Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo’s recent straightforward comments on Lionel Messi.

The PSG sporting director has regularly spoken about Messi since the summer transfer window. He has not gone out of his way to say that PSG wants to pursue the Argentine over the next summer transfer window for a possible free transfer agreement. Instead, he is regularly muddying the waters over the club’s possible interest in such a deal.

Leonardo recently provided for his most revealing interview regarding Messi when he told France Football that the club essentially has the Argentine on its transfer list.

Earlier this week, Laporta took time to indirectly respond to Leonardo by calling for PSG to “remain quiet” over the matter regarding Messi’s impending free agency.

Now, Laporta is going a bit further in his criticism (via Marca) of Leonardo’s recent comments.

“The club has to be able to make a good proposal to Messi so that he understands and accepts it,” Laporta said. “I would understand any response from Leo. He has to know the situation of the club and this is urgent.

“The situation is consolidating; he is free to negotiate with another club, and Barcelona are without a president. PSG allow themselves to publicly say that they want to sign Messi.

“Barcelona cannot allow this, because it is disrespectful. And even more so coming from a club/state that breaks the rules. We also have to work with UEFA and FIFA on this.”

During his time as Barcelona’s president, Laporta was not afraid to voice his opinion on matters regarding the club. If he wins the upcoming Barcelona elections, this could continue with unfiltered war of words with club officials from the powerhouse sides in the continent, including PSG.

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Tags Barcelona Joan Laporta Leonardo Lionel Messi
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