'Messi ignored me at the Ballon d'Or gala'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta shared for the first time specifics about the estrangement with Lionel Messi, revealing a strained moment indicating their bond has yet to be healed.

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, recently spoke candidly about his fractured relationship with Lionel Messi, once the greatest icon in the Catalan club’s history. Years after their controversial split, they still have not restored their previous closeness, despite some quiet attempts at reconciliation.

According to Tribalfootball, the main cause of the chill in their relationship stems from how Messi left Barcelona in 2021. Financial difficulties prevented the club from renewing his contract, forcing the Argentine superstar to move to Paris Saint-Germain. This decision left many negative feelings and continues to strongly influence how both sides view each other.

Laporta revealed one of the tensest moments occurred at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. He recounted: “There was an incident at the Ballon d’Or event when I approached him to greet, but he decided that we should not acknowledge each other.” According to the Barcelona chief, this small detail clearly reflects the growing distance between two individuals who once shared a deep bond.

Following that event, both sides made efforts to improve the situation, but no significant progress has been made. Laporta admitted: “The relationship is no longer what it used to be,” adding that there is still hope for reconciliation in the future if time helps ease the misunderstandings that remain between them.

Despite the damaged personal relationship, Laporta affirmed that his respect for Messi has never wavered. He emphasized: “The relationship has been harmed, but he remains a legend of Barcelona.” This statement shows that Barcelona still regards Messi as an eternal icon, while leaving open the possibility that one day both sides may fully reconcile and close the past chapter.