Despite Lionel Messi leaving FC Barcelona in 2021, the Spanish club continues to talk about the veteran forward. Club president Joan Laporta discussed his relationship with the former player two years after his exit.
Messi left the Camp Nou with tears before heading to sign Paris Saint-Germain, where he and his family have adapted. While Laporta took heat for the Argentine’s departure, the club chief claims there’s a relationship with Messi.
“Yes, Messi and I have a relationship,” Laporta told SER Catalunya program Qué T’hi Jugues (h/t AS). “About Messi, as he is a PSG player, I prefer not to speak, and you have to respect me because otherwise, there are missiles coming from all sides.
“What is certain is that Messi will form part of the club and what I would like is for him to have a different ending from the one he is going to have. There are several options, but if I talk about them … But yes, we [have a relationship].”
The PSG star’s contract is set to expire in June, but he’ll likely extend his tenure in the French capital. Barcelona had discussed a return for Messi, but a return as a player might not be happening.
It will be interesting to see how Messi feels about Laporta and whether there’s a relationship with the Barcelona president on his end. Since arriving at PSG, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has not gotten into details regarding his thoughts on Laporta.