Ex- President, Laporta — Messi Has Been Cheated At Bercelona

Former Bercelona President Joan Laporta, has aid Lionel Messi wants more than money at Barcelona, insisting the disgruntled superstar craves a competitive team for success.

Messi’s future remains an important topic at embattled LaLiga giants Barca, after he handed in a transfer request following a tumultuous 2019-20 season.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was tipped to join Manchester City, before opting to remain in Spain, though he has since been linked to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Inter.

“Leo wants Barcelona. What I want is to give him back his happiness. It’s not just a question of money, you have to create a competitive team.

“Leo has been cheated and that is a big loss. He’s a winner and can’t stand to see other teams lift the Champions League.

“The last time I spoke to him was in October. I am very grateful to him for all he has done for Barcelona. I have known him since he was 16 years old and he is an extraordinary person.

“There is mutual appreciation and respect. We must be inside [the club] to make an imaginative and credible proposal to him,” Laporta – at the helm of Barca from 2003 to 2010 as Messi’s career took off – told Radio Marca and COPE.