Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has launched a strong criticism of Lionel Messi, insisting that the Argentine legend must put the club ahead of his personal differences with current president Joan Laporta and finally agree to an official farewell at Camp Nou.
Gaspart believes Messi should not allow his strained relationship with Laporta to stand in the way of a proper goodbye to Barcelona supporters. The former chief, who was in charge when Messi joined the club’s youth academy at the age of 13, stressed that Barcelona’s identity and history are bigger than any individual player.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021, but an official farewell ceremony in front of the club’s supporters has yet to take place. His reported differences with Laporta remain a major talking point as fans continue to wait for the opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
Gaspart sends a strong message to Messi
Speaking on the Solo para culés podcast, Gaspart praised Messi’s extraordinary talent but warned him against forgetting the role Barcelona played in his development.
"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."
Gaspart’s comments underline his belief that Messi’s connection with Barcelona should transcend any disagreements involving the club’s leadership. He also made it clear that his patience would not last indefinitely if the Argentine continued to delay his farewell.
Gaspart rules out a farewell linked to Laporta’s departure
The former Barcelona president went further, arguing that Messi should return to Camp Nou regardless of who occupies the presidential office. Gaspart said he would oppose a tribute if the Argentine made his appearance conditional on Laporta leaving the club.
"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."
Gaspart’s stance is clear: in his view, a farewell to Barcelona’s supporters should not become a question of internal politics. He believes Messi owes the fans a proper goodbye, irrespective of his relationship with the current leadership.
Messi focused on Inter Miami as Barcelona await his decision
Messi continues to focus on his club commitments with Inter Miami in the United States, where his contract runs until late 2028. Meanwhile, Barcelona remain hopeful that an agreement can eventually be reached to organise an official tribute for their former captain.
For many Barcelona supporters, Messi’s return to Camp Nou for a farewell ceremony would represent an emotional opportunity to honour a player who helped define one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Whether that moment arrives soon may depend on whether the differences surrounding the club’s leadership can be put aside. For Gaspart, however, one principle takes priority: Barcelona must come before any individual, no matter how great that individual may be.