Lionel Messi has slammed Barcelona president Joan Laporta for some of his recent comments, claiming those quotes were out of place.
In an interview with Spanish publication SPORT, Lionel Messi has opened up about hearing some of Joan Laporta’s recent comments. The former Barcelona captain has iterated that he was hurt by the club president’s words, claiming there was no need for him to make such “out of place” comments.
Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona was formalised two months ago, but there is still a sense of disbelief attached to the entire saga. Early in August, it was revealed that Barcelona could not tie Messi down to a new contract, which rendered the Argentine wizard a free agent.
So, just like that, a two-decade-long stint with the Blaugrana came to an end in a flash, with the 34-year-old exiting Camp Nou with an outstanding record of 672 goals and 301 assists in 778 outings. In addition, he also won 35 trophies with the Catalan club, making him one of the most successful players in the game.
The move to PSG has not worked out as well as he would have liked so far, with Messi raking in just three goals in eight appearances, with none of those strikes coming in Ligue 1. Now, Messi has hit back at some recent comments made by Joan Laporta.
Recently, the Barcelona president said that he was hoping for Messi to say that he would play for free instead of departing Camp Nou. And Messi has slammed Laporta for these comments, iterating that they were out of place and that they left him hurt.
Messi said, “The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay; never at any time was I asked to play for free. I was asked to cut my salary by fifty percent and I did that without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more. My desire and that of my family was to stay in Barcelona.”
“Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time it seems to me that the words that the president said are out of place. They hurt me because I think he doesn’t need to say that; it’s like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things. This makes people think or generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve.”
Messi recently asserted that he was left with no choice but to leave Barcelona, and it is understandable why Laporta’s comments would hurt him. For now, though, the veteran forward will firmly be focused on enjoying a memorable stint with PSG, hoping to finally get into his stride in the weeks and months to come.