Joan Gaspart Criticizes Lionel Messi Over Delay in Barcelona Farewell

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has voiced strong criticism towards Lionel Messi for postponing his official farewell ceremony at Camp Nou. Gaspart urged the Argentine legend to not let club politics block his return and reminded him that the club's legacy is greater than any individual player.

Gaspart Highlights Club Over Individual

The ex-president, who was in charge when Messi joined La Masia as a youngster, expressed frustration over the ongoing delay in honoring Messi’s departure since 2021. He emphasized that Barcelona stands above any player, calling out Messi for making his send-off dependent on the current boardroom situation and the presidency of Joan Laporta.

Demand for Unconditional Tribute

At 82 years old, Gaspart insisted Messi owes a tribute to the fans regardless of who runs the club. Speaking on the podcast Solo para culés, he said:

"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, he should be careful. 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."

Boycott Threat If Conditions Persist

Gaspart warned that his patience is running thin and threatened to boycott any tribute if Messi insists on waiting for a change in club leadership before returning. He continued:

"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.

Whoever the president may be, 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 with Argentina after a 3-0 win over Benin on October 6. Now 39, he is dedicating himself fully to his club duties with Inter Miami CF, where his contract extends until late 2028. Meanwhile, Barcelona awaits a clear decision from their icon to finally hold the long-postponed farewell at Camp Nou.

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