Barcelona President Laporta and Messi's Strained Relationship Revealed
Contrary to public perception, the relationship between FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and legendary footballer Lionel Messi has been far from harmonious. According to recent revelations, the duo has maintained a notably strained connection over several years, with tensions reportedly escalating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Executive's Explosive Interview
In a recent interview with Sports360, former Barcelona director and vice-president of sports Jordi Mestre shared astonishing details about the deteriorating relationship between Messi and Laporta. Mestre confirmed that Messi and his family harbor significant resentment toward the club president, describing them as "extremely angry" with Laporta.
"I know, through third parties, that Leo Messi and his family are very, very angry with Laporta. Extremely angry," Mestre revealed during the interview. "What he said about the barbecue... We've already seen that. Now, I don't know what's on their mind, but I think whatever we do for Messi will seem small. I would do something historic for him."
Messi's Monumental Impact on Barcelona
Mestre emphasized Messi's unparalleled contribution to Barcelona, highlighting both sporting and financial dimensions. "What he gave us is impressive. Not only on the sporting level, but also financially: tours with Leo Messi were one thing, and tours without Messi were another," he explained. "Sure, he earned a very good salary, but he deserved it, and he also made a lot of money for the club."
The former executive noted that Messi's presence attracted global stars to Barcelona, with many players specifically wanting to join the club to play alongside the Argentine maestro. This revelation underscores how Messi's departure in 2021 represented not just a sporting loss but a significant financial and recruitment setback for the Catalan giants.
Laporta's Political and Football Career
Joan Laporta i Estruch, born in Barcelona on June 29, 1962, built his career as a successful lawyer and businessman before entering football leadership. He founded the legal firm Laporta & Arbós and served in the Parliament of Catalonia from 2010 to 2012. Laporta holds the distinction of being the first Barcelona president elected for two separate terms.
During his initial presidency from 2003 to 2010, Barcelona secured four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies among numerous other honors. After an unsuccessful bid in 2015, he returned to power on March 7, 2021, winning 30,184 votes. His second tenure has added more domestic silverware, bringing his total presidential trophy count to 16 major honors.
Public Acknowledgment of Strain
Laporta has previously acknowledged the strained relationship publicly. In an October 2025 interview with 3Cat, he reflected on the failed contract renewal that precipitated Messi's emotional departure. "We've had a very good relationship for a long time. When we didn't renew our contract, it got a little strained. And then we more or less recovered," Laporta admitted. "We're confident we can give him the great tribute he deserves."
Despite these public statements, it remains unclear whether Laporta and Messi have genuinely resolved their differences. The recent revelations from Mestre have reopened a chapter many believed had quietly settled following Messi's departure, bringing renewed attention to issues of finances, loyalty, and how Barcelona managed the conclusion of one of football's greatest careers.
The incident referenced by Mestre—reportedly involving comments about a barbecue during the pandemic—appears to have been particularly damaging to the relationship. This personal dimension adds complexity to what was already a professionally fraught separation between club and legend.
As Barcelona continues its post-Messi era, these revelations about the strained relationship between president and club icon raise questions about legacy management, institutional relationships with legendary players, and how football clubs navigate the delicate transition when generational talents depart.
