Gerard Pique helped persuade Barcelona to part company with Lionel Messi two years ago, it has been claimed.
Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021 after ending his career-long association with the Catalan giants. It was a tearful farewell from the Argentine star, who had verbally agreed a new contract with the Blaugrana – but a deal was not possible.
Barca were unable to register any extension for the Argentine superstar due to LaLiga’s strict Financial Fair Play rules and the club’s precarious situation. Messi was not informed of the decision until the eleventh hour by club president Joan Laporta, leaving the player stunned.
It was the last scenario that Barcelona wanted to happen and they had spent all summer evaluating ways to renew the player’s stay. Their stance both in public and to Messi was that a new deal would be signed – but eventually they realised this was not the reality of their situation.
A report in The Athletic has claimed that Pique was a key figure in persuading Laporta that Messi leaving would not entirely be a bad thing, and that the club would be able to recover without their long-serving superstar – both their record appearance holder and club record scorer.
After a difficult debut campaign in Paris, Messi has netted 19 goals and provided 20 assists this season and has spoken of his happiness at adapting to life in France this term. However, his future at PSG looks more uncertain than ever as his contract talks have been put on hold by the Ligue 1 giants.
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Messi was booed during the Ligue 1 defeat against Lyon earlier this month, highlighting the uneasy relationship between the player and the club’s fanbase. With PSG once again falling flat on the European stage this year, changes to their sporting project are expected this summer.
Earlier this month, Barcelona transfer chiefs confirmed contact had been made with Messi regarding a potential return to the Camp Nou. There is also an offer on the table for the Argentine superstar from Saudi Arabia – but he prefers to stay in European football.
Messi has been refusing to answer phone calls made on behalf of a negotiator close to Laporta. Meanwhile, the Barca president had planned to meet with his former star player during his visit to the Ballon d'Or awards in Paris in October, but such attempts were unsuccessful.
Yet Barca are continuing their attempts for a sensational return of Messi, despite having to make significant financial savings ahead of next season. Any move for the player will be wrought with complications and potential sentimentality, yet the Argentine has received acknowledgement through a third party of the interest.
