A former Barcelona president lashes out at Messi: "Barcelona comes before him"

The conflict between Lionel Messi and Joan Laporta is far from over. Forced out in 2021 by the current FC Barcelona president, the Argentinian, a 2022 World Cup winner, reportedly does not wish to return to the club as long as Laporta remains in charge. This stance has not gone down well with Joan Gaspart, former Barça president between 2000 and 2003, who has not minced words in his criticism of the Blaugrana legend.

In comments reported by "Sport" and then picked up by Foot Mercato, the former Catalan director emphasized that the club must come before any individual, however prestigious. While readily acknowledging Messi's exceptional status in football history, Gaspart believes the Argentinian striker should not forget what FC Barcelona has given him throughout his career.

“Leo, as a footballer, is the best in the world. There’s just one thing you mustn’t forget: Barça comes before him,” he declared, before emphasizing the need for the player to put his personal differences aside. “I say this out of love for this legendary player whom I signed when he was thirteen years old and I was president of Barça.”

Joan Gaspart was also particularly firm regarding Messi's absence from Camp Nou to say goodbye to the fans.

"I'll give him a little more time, but a day will come when it will start to annoy me that Mr. Leo Messi doesn't raise the slightest objection to coming to Barça to say goodbye to the fans. Whoever the president is. Whoever the president is! Let him come and say goodbye to Barça. Who does he think he is?" he insisted.