Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly acknowledged that his relationship with Lionel Messi is not what it once was. In a sincere reflection on his relationship with the Argentine footballer, Laporta admitted that they are going through a cold spell marked by recent episodes that have left their mark.

According to Laporta, one of the most significant moments came in 2023, during the Ballon d'Or gala. "There was an incident at the Ballon d'Or ceremony when I went to greet him and he considered that we should not greet each other," he said. That gesture showed a distancing that had already been brewing and which ended up confirming that the relationship was damaged.

Laporta assured that, after this episode, there was some attempt to get closer, although without definitive success so far. "The relationship is not what it was," he admitted, leaving the door open to a future reconciliation. Despite everything, he wanted to underline the respect and admiration he maintains towards the former Barcelona player: "The relationship is damaged, but he is a myth of Barcelona."

This is a recognition that mixes nostalgia and prudence. Because, beyond personal or institutional differences, Laporta made it clear that Messi's figure remains intact in the history of the club.