Barcelona president aims sly dig at Messi for joining Inter Miami

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has again aimed a sly dig at Argentine legend Lionel Messi who snubbed the Blaugrana and decided to join Inter Miami this summer after leaving Paris Saint Germain.

Laporta revealed just how close Barcelona had come to signing Messi after his departure from Paris Saint Germain, noting that the Blaugrana had gone to great lengths to adjust financially for the Argentine superstar’s arrival.

“It was very close. We had to manage our financial fair play situation so we needed time. At the end, we reached an agreement with LaLiga that authorized us to add him to the squad,” Laporta said.

The Barcelona chief however reiterated his belief that Messi was running away from the pressure of playing at a club like Barcelona, revealing that this idea came from conversations with Messi’s father.

“But Leo was coming from a situation in Paris where he was under a lot of pressure. His father told me that he needed a place where he won't be under pressure, and at Barca that would not be the case because of the meaning of the return of our hero.”

Laporta however maintained that there was no bad blood with Messi and stated that he hoped the World Cup winner would find the right situations to thrive in Miami.

“We respect his decision and we wish the best for him. We want the best for our players,” Laporta said before continuing, “He came to Barcelona as a kid, 14 years old, and he spent 20 years with us. I hope he can be very happy in Miami.”

In addition to Messi, Barcelona also lost two stars in Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to Inter Miami as the trio linked up in the MLS to start a new chapter in their careers.