Joan Laporta has defended his decision to allow Lionel Messi leave FC Barcelona in 2021, citing the club’s financial struggles at the time.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Barcelona’s history, was forced to exit due to financial constraints and La Liga salary regulations. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami CF.
Speaking to Marca, Laporta insisted the decision was necessary:
“I had to make a decision, and I believe it was the correct one; the outcomes are evident.
“We managed to restore the club’s financial health, assembled a competitive team, and it was time for a generational shift.
“Leo was nearing the end of his career, and we needed to build a new team. Would I have preferred to create a new team with Leo’s assistance? Yes. We attempted that, but it was not feasible.”
Messi was also linked with a return to Barcelona in 2023, but ultimately chose to continue his career with Inter Miami.