Gaspart reminds that Barça outshines Lionel Messi and the club’s pride

The former president of FC Barcelona, Joan Gaspart, denounced on Sunday Lionel Messi's behaviour towards Barça, reminding that the club stands above the player, while the Argentine continues his career at Inter Miami after his departure from Catalonia in 2021.

Messi was honoured by an entire country during his farewell to the Argentine national team, but he has not yet retired and still plays with Inter Miami. On the Barça side, the anticipation of his return to the Camp Nou is being felt.

Messi continues his career in Miami

Guest on the Solo para cules podcast, Gaspart said: “As a footballer, Leo is indisputably the best in the world and a good player.” He added that “the club is above him,” recalling the importance of the club in the player’s career.

That same Sunday, he issued a clear warning: “He should be careful! He should be careful.” He recalled that he had recruited Messi at thirteen when he was president of Barça, stressing that the club “is above his person.”

Since his heartbreaking departure in 2021, Messi signed on a free transfer with Paris Saint‑Germain after failing to extend at Barcelona, but he has still not returned to greet the Camp Nou supporters. Gaspart called this omission a “major error” for the Catalan club.

Gaspart issues a public warning

Gaspart attributed Messi’s silence to the complicated relationship with the current president Joan Laporta, stating that “whatever the president, he should come to say goodbye to Barça.” He asked: “Who does he think he is? To set as a condition that he will not come as long as Laporta is president…”

He concluded by stating that he would not attend a potential tribute if these conditions were not respected, adding “if that were the case, I would not go to that tribute.” The Messi‑Maradona debate continues to divide Barça supporters.