Joan Gaspart, the former president of FC Barcelona, criticized Lionel Messi for potentially conditioning his farewell to fans on the absence of current president Joan Laporta. Speaking on the podcast "Solo Para Culés," Gaspart emphasized the need for Messi to say goodbye at Camp Nou irrespective of who is in charge of the club.
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Gaspart, who signed Messi when he was just 13 years old, clarified that his comments do not undermine Messi's significant role in the club's history. "I say this from the historical love I have for a player whom I signed when he was 13 years old," Gaspart stated. However, he stressed that Messi should prioritize the club's interests over his personal circumstances, saying, "He should be careful. Barça is above him."
Gaspart particularly focused on the relationship between Messi and Laporta, arguing that Messi's return should not depend on the current president's presence. "Whoever the president is, let him come and say goodbye to Barça," he asserted. He expressed more vehement disapproval of a potential tribute that would only occur after Laporta's departure, stating, "If Leo Messi comes to say goodbye and doesn't come because Laporta is the president, I would not go to that tribute."
Gaspart concluded with a pointed remark, questioning Messi's sense of entitlement: "Who does he think he is?"