Laporta: I Was Right to Let Lionel Messi Leave Barcelona

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted he made the correct call in allowing Lionel Messi to leave the club in 2021, citing the financial crisis that plagued the Catalan giants at the time.

Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player in Barcelona’s history, was forced to depart due to the club’s mounting debts and the strict financial controls imposed by LaLiga, which made it impossible to renew his contract.

The Argentine legend subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain before later moving to Inter Miami CF.

Laporta, speaking on the matter, maintained that the decision was unavoidable and ultimately beneficial for the club’s future.

“I had to make a decision, and I believe it was the correct one; the outcomes are evident.

“We managed to restore the club’s financial health, assembled a competitive team, and it was time for a generational shift.

“Leo was nearing the end of his career, and we needed to build a new team. Would I have preferred to create a new team with Leo’s assistance? Yes. We attempted that, but it was not feasible.”

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PulseNets learned that Barcelona prioritized financial recovery and long term squad rebuilding over retaining their iconic forward, a move that continues to divide opinion among fans.