Joan Gaspart Criticizes Lionel Messi Over Delay in Barcelona Farewell

Joan Gaspart Calls Out Messi for Postponing Camp Nou Farewell

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has sharply criticized Lionel Messi for holding back on his official farewell ceremony at the Camp Nou. Gaspart stressed that the club's legacy surpasses any individual player, urging Messi not to tie his return to changes in the club’s leadership.

Gaspart’s Warning to Messi

The 82-year-old executive, who was president when Messi joined La Masia as a youngster, expressed frustration over the Argentine’s hesitation to organize a proper send-off since leaving the club in 2021. A tense relationship between Messi and current president Joan Laporta appears to be the main cause of the delay.

Speaking on the podcast Solo para culés, Gaspart said:

"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 Tribute is Conditional

Gaspart warned that his patience is wearing thin and hinted he might boycott any tribute if Messi insists on waiting for a change in club presidency. He refused to accept political conditions attached to the farewell, adding:

"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 Focuses on Inter Miami After Ending International Career

Recently, Messi ended his international career with Argentina following a 3-0 win against Benin on October 6. Now 39, he is concentrating on his remaining time with Inter Miami CF in the United States, where his contract runs until late 2028.

Barcelona continues to wait for Messi’s confirmation before moving forward with the long-pending farewell event at Camp Nou.

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