Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted that his relationship with Lionel Messi became “a little strained” when he didn’t renew his contract at the club but is confident it can be repaired.
A tearful
Messi departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after being unable to agree a new contract at the club and admitted at the time that he had wanted to stay.
It’s long been though thought that Messi and Laporta’s relationship had broken down completely, but the Barcelona president claims that’s not quite the case.
“We’ve had a very good relationship for a long time. When we didn’t renew our contract, it got a little strained. And then we more or less recovered,” he told 3Cat.
“We’re confident we can give him the great tribute he deserves.”
Barcelona are still hoping to pay tribute to Messi at Camp Nou when the famous old stadium is finally really to open fully following renovation work.
