Joan Gaspart Criticizes Lionel Messi Over Delayed Barcelona Farewell

Joan Gaspart Voices Frustration Over Messi's Postponed Camp Nou Tribute

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has openly criticized Lionel Messi for delaying his official farewell ceremony at Camp Nou. Gaspart emphasized that the club's legacy surpasses any individual and warned Messi against making his return dependent on the current leadership under Joan Laporta.

Messi’s Farewell Stalled by Boardroom Disputes

Gaspart expressed disappointment over Messi’s hesitation to hold an official send-off in front of the Barcelona fans. Having been the club president when Messi joined La Masia as a youth, Gaspart reminded everyone that the institution is far greater than any single player. The strained relationship between Messi and Laporta is believed to be the main reason behind the delayed tribute since Messi’s exit in 2021.

Gaspart Calls for Unconditional Return

The 82-year-old former president stressed the importance of Messi acknowledging the club’s role in shaping his career regardless of who is running the club now. Speaking on the podcast Solo para cules, Gaspart said:

"Leo is an undeniable footballer, the best in the world, and a great player. There is only one thing he must not forget: Barcelona is bigger than him, and he should be careful, he should be careful. I say this out of the historical love I have for a player I signed when he was 13 and I was Barca president: he should be careful. Barca is bigger than him as an individual."

Threat of Boycott if Tribute Conditions Persist

Gaspart’s patience appears to be wearing thin. He warned that if Messi insists on waiting for a change in club leadership before saying goodbye, he may refuse to attend the tribute. He added:

"He is a great player, the best in the world, partly - I won’t say what percentage - thanks to Barca. Therefore, he cannot forget that. Because of that, I’m still giving him a grace period, but a day will come when it will start to bother me if Mr Messi puts even the slightest obstacle in the way of coming to Barca to say goodbye to the fans.

Whoever the president may be, whoever the president may be, he must come and say goodbye to Barca. If Leo Messi only comes to say goodbye the day Laporta is no longer here, and refuses to come because Laporta is the president, I wouldn’t give him a tribute. Who does he think he is? To make coming to Barcelona conditional on whether Laporta is there or not. If Laporta wasn’t there [because of that condition], I wouldn’t attend that tribute."

Messi Ends International Career, Focuses on Inter Miami

Recently, Messi concluded his international journey with Argentina after a 3-0 win over Benin on October 6. Now 39 years old, he is concentrating on his club duties with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, where his contract extends until late 2028. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to wait for Messi's confirmation so they can finally host the long-postponed farewell event.

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