Barcelona reveals debt to Messi and behind-the-scenes denial: “I wanted less…”

O barcelona it saw Joan Laporta make disclosures about Lionel Messi. The Argentine was close to returning to Camp Nou, but opted for a new adventure in MLS. The Barça legend surprised everyone with the choice for Inter Miamisince the Catalan team had managed to release the La Liga to bring the star player back to Spanish football. However, the choice of the star player was to have more peace of mind in his professional life.

In an interview with “La Vanguardia”, Joan Laporta warned that Barcelona did everything they could to make Lionel Messi’s return official. Everything that was within the reach of the club was done, but the option of not returning to Catalonia was the player’s. After a complicated year at PSG, the president of Barça warned that the reason for the striker’s refusal was the pressure he suffered in the last seasons he was in France. Therefore, the MLS will represent a moment of greater tranquility in his career.

We had a pact with La Liga. It was contemplated within the feasibility plan. We communicated to Jorge Messi (the striker’s father), but he told me that Leo had spent a very difficult year in Paris and that he wanted less pressure“, he stated.

According to Joan Laporta, Barcelona will still be in contact with Messi, but for other reasons. That’s because the club owes money to the star and will settle all debts by the end of 2025. The expectation is that all these amounts will be paid during this period. They refer to the Argentine’s first spell at the club, when he left in a troubled way. After that episode, he went looking for new challenges at PSG, but he also got frustrated.

What we owe him is the salary deferral that was agreed with the previous board. That means outstanding payments ending in 2025. We pay religiously“. completed.