From the onset, it was always clear that Lionel Messi wanted to return to Barcelona. He never wanted to leave. But FC Barcelona’s own financial mismanagement forced the soccer legend’s eventual move to Paris Saint-Germain and prevented a return in 2023.
Barcelona chose to ignore that context in its official reaction to the news that Messi would be joining Inter Miami in MLS this summer. Instead of honoring arguably the greatest player in the game’s history — and certainly the best player in FCB’s storied history — club president Joan Laporta seemingly took a shot at Messi’s decision.
There’s something about Miami and bringing out the saltiest of team statements.
Official statement from FC Barcelona on Leo Messi's decision to play for Inter Miamihttps://t.co/iuliiDOxsY
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 7, 2023
The second paragraph of the press release read:
President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
There’s nothing quite like a team essentially throwing a tantrum about missing out on a player while also criticizing said player’s competitiveness. While nobody is going to argue that MLS is on the level of a top-5 European league, there’s no reason for Barcelona to take a swipe at MLS (and Messi) when the club never had a realistic chance of bringing him back due to its own dysfunction.
You can’t blame fans for ripping Barcelona about the classless statement.
This was how Twitter reacted
I wrote an updated statement for LaPorta .. see that wasn't hard: "Due to financial mismanagement & general incompetence we were not able to bring the greatest player of all time back to Barcelona. I personally apologize to our supporters and all Barcelona fans across the globe." https://t.co/QGi5cVeGNA
— Jordan Gardner (@mrjordangardner) June 7, 2023
Nah paragraph is absolutely insane how are they throwing their greatest ever player under the bus like this 😭 https://t.co/Jiz0B5xQtd pic.twitter.com/bcRTXrZklR
— 🦅 (@Gideoomatic) June 7, 2023
This is low from Barcelona. Considering they are talking about their best player in club history.
Don’t patronize his decision. He can do what he wants. Un poco de respeto. https://t.co/2dD6Zs2gfQ
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) June 7, 2023
And the "who asked?" tweet of the day goes to: https://t.co/PSF0BOgJRf
— Adrian Sousa | Rabona TV (@Rabona_TV) June 7, 2023
Laporta just called Messi finished and unable to compete at the highest level of football. United didn’t even disrespect Ronaldo this way 😭😭 https://t.co/YZFNZCUBE6 pic.twitter.com/svZ66MStrC
— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) June 7, 2023
There are ways of honoring the best player to ever play for your Club.
This ain’t one of them. It’s not only a shot at MLS, but a direct shot at Messi.
Laporta continues to disappoint. #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/zzMWkUeZsu pic.twitter.com/PuzrVyXb6P
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) June 7, 2023
they were SEETHING making this statement bro LMAOOOOOOO https://t.co/BCZbWwP775 pic.twitter.com/g6S0aPLyvD
— Maxwell (@maqwelll) June 7, 2023
So basically the team that Messi made what they are, that twisted the system, that had to mortgage most of their assets to even survive, says that the greatest player that ever played and will play in their history wanted to go to play with no pressure. Shame on you Barcelona https://t.co/qYCWa1RfNZ
— ANDRES CANTOR (@AndresCantorGOL) June 7, 2023
WHY ARE YOU LYING?
Messi didn't choose Miami over Barça because "MLS has fewer demands and less pressure than Barça". Leo chose to not put his fate in your lying hands when you might as well string him along for months then tell him at the last seconde: we can't register you. https://t.co/6Xb8t3bPg9
— adil (@Barca19stats) June 7, 2023
Used to really like Barcelona, cannot stand them these days, what kind of statement is this? https://t.co/3Y7wk1Ez00
— Johyan (@JohyanCruyff) June 7, 2023
This type of behavior from Laporta is just sad. Not the way to treat a player you somehow found a way to fumble after 19 great years.
Even 100 years from now, people will come to Barça games with Messi on the backs of their shirts, because that’s who really matters. https://t.co/UoeHj5tdAh
— Skylar Rolstad (@SkylarRolstad) June 7, 2023
Barcelona says they submitted a proposal for Messi.
Messi says there was no formal proposal.
Almost sounds like someone is trying to save face again… https://t.co/PFiAhV4Qkd
— Michael (@LaLigaMichael) June 7, 2023
