Laporta: I couldn’t keep Messi, Barcelona were ruined

The president is confident that they will cross paths again in the future

Following his World Cup triumph, many linked Lionel Messi with a possible return to Barcelona, but Joan Laporta has revealed that the club had no choice but to allow him to leave in 2021.

The club president gave an interview to Cadena SER in which he explained what happened and how he hopes that the story between the two parties has not yet ended.

“I had to put Barcelona ahead of the best player in the history of soccer,” he confessed.

“In those moments of economic ruin I couldn’t keep him. I think it was the best thing for the club.

“Right now he is a PSG player and I prefer not to talk about him. We are focused on Barcelona.

“Leo will always be part of our club and I would like him to have a different ending than the one he had. There are several options, but I would be wrong to say them. We have a relationship.”

Busquet’s future
Laporta was also quizzed on the future of his captain, Sergio Busquets, and who could replace him long-term.

“[Ruben] Neves is a great player, but this is part of private conversations,” he began when asked about the Wolves man

“Busquets will not last forever and there are internal discussions to find him a guaranteed replacement.

“Frenkie de Jong can play in this position, but it won’t be enough with just one player. This will be decided by Xavi.”

Bernardo Silva
Neves was not the only name put forward to Laporta, who also addressed speculation linking him to Manchester City man Bernardo Silva.

“We won’t pay 80 million for Bernardo Silva,” the president said clearly.

“We’ll see how he does at City, for the moment we have Lewandowski who is doing very well.”

Super League vs Premier League
As always, finances and signings involve questions about funding and Barcelona continue to look to a European Super League as the answer.

“I would not have gone into this project if the competition was not open. We want the governance to belong to the clubs,” Laporta insisted.

“I hope UEFA will have another seat at the governance table. If the resolution is favorable, I believe the Super League will be a reality in 2025.