Joan Laporta, who is running for re-election as president of Barcelona, was a guest on a radio program to promote his new book How We Saved Barcelona. During the show, Laporta talked about Messi once again.
Laporta said: “For me, I hope to hold a tribute match for Messi and erect a statue for him; this is what he deserves.”
“We tried to re-sign Messi in 2023, but Messi ultimately chose to join Inter Miami. We respect this decision very much and have never made any criticism. Barcelona has given a lot for Messi, and Messi has also devoted everything to Barcelona. He deserves a tribute match. His legendary status is enough for a statue of his own to be added next to the statues of Kubala and Cruyff.”
“There was a time when the relationship between us and Messi became somewhat tense. I am convinced that Messi wanted to renew his contract at that time, but his entourage did not reject the idea of him joining Paris Saint-Germain. Paris offered a very attractive offer to Messi. I am sure he wanted to stay at Barcelona, and we did our best, but the financial situation of Barcelona at that time did not allow it. There are always ways to do something more in life, but the financial situation back then had reached the limit.”
