Joan Gaspart Criticizes Lionel Messi Over Delayed Barcelona Farewell

Joan Gaspart, the former president of Barcelona, has openly criticized Lionel Messi for postponing his official farewell ceremony at Camp Nou. Gaspart emphasized that the club's legacy surpasses any single player and warned Messi against tying his return to the club's leadership situation.

Gaspart Urges Messi to Prioritize Barcelona Over Politics

Gaspart, who was president when Messi joined La Masia as a youth, expressed frustration with the Argentine star’s hesitation to hold a proper send-off since leaving in 2021. He pointed out that tensions between Messi and current president Joan Laporta are the main reasons behind the delay.

The 82-year-old stressed the importance of Messi recognizing the club's role in his career and urged him to thank the fans regardless of who is running the club now.

"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," Gaspart said on the podcast Solo para cules. "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."

Warning Issued Over Potential Boycott

Gaspart’s patience appears to be wearing thin. He threatened to boycott any tribute event if Messi continues to wait for changes in club leadership before returning.

"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," Gaspart added.

"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 Ends International Career, Focuses on Inter Miami

Recently, Messi ended his international career after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin on October 6. At 39, he now concentrates fully on his club duties with Inter Miami CF, where his contract runs until late 2028. Meanwhile, Barcelona awaits a clear confirmation from Messi so the long-delayed farewell can finally take place.

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