Former Barcelona President Joan Gaspart Criticizes Lionel Messi for Delaying Farewell Tribute

Joan Gaspart, who once led Barcelona, has voiced his frustration over Lionel Messi postponing the official farewell at Camp Nou. The former president emphasized that the club's legacy surpasses any individual, cautioning Messi against tying his return to internal club politics.

Gaspart Highlights Club's Importance Over Individual

Gaspart criticized Messi for repeatedly holding off on a formal tribute in front of Barcelona fans. He reminded everyone that he was president when Messi joined La Masia and insisted the club's prestige outshines any player. The strained relationship between Messi and current president Joan Laporta is seen as the main reason behind the delay since Messi's departure in 2021.

82-Year-Old Demands Messi's Unconditional Return

The veteran administrator pointed to how much Barcelona shaped Messi's career and called for the forward to honor the fans no matter who leads the club. Speaking on the podcast Solo para culés, Gaspart expressed:

"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 Messi Waits for Leadership Change

Gaspart's patience appears to be running thin. He warned he would refuse to attend any tribute if Messi insists on waiting until Laporta leaves office. On the same podcast, Gaspart made his stance clear:

"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, 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

Messi recently ended his international journey with Argentina after a 3-0 win against Benin on October 6. Now 39, he concentrates fully on his club duties in the United States with Inter Miami CF, where his contract extends through late 2028. Meanwhile, Barcelona waits for Messi’s go-ahead to proceed with the long-awaited farewell event.

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