Joan Gaspart says his criticism of Messi was rooted in affection

“I love him very much”: the former Barcelona president has revisited his criticism of Messi, saying his words were misunderstood. Joan Gaspart says he spoke out of affection for the Argentine star, whom he calls the best player in the world, while also pointing to the club’s role in his success.

The controversy followed Gaspart’s insistence that Barcelona was bigger than any player, Messi included. He also noted that the club had signed the Argentine when he was thirteen and said a large part of his footballing success was connected to Barcelona.

In his earlier remarks, Gaspart said Messi should not forget what the club had done for him and that Barcelona came before any individual. His words were taken as criticism of the Argentine, in particular because he had not returned to the club to say an official farewell to its supporters. The comments prompted a wave of reactions on social media.

In an interview with Doble Amarilla, Gaspart said Messi understood the nature of their relationship: “Leo knows me well and knows I say this with affection, and people are waiting for it.” He also called Messi “the best in history”, adding that Barcelona owed a great deal to him and that the player owed a great deal to the club in return.

Gaspart now says he wants to organise a tribute to Messi as soon as possible. He wants the player to be able to say farewell while he is still alive, before the opportunity slips away and before he retires from football. The tribute, he explained, should give Messi the chance to say goodbye to Barcelona and its supporters, rather than to the club’s directors or particular individuals. The possibility of his return to Camp Nou for the ceremony remains controversial.

Messi left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after it proved impossible to renew his contract amid the financial crisis and economic restrictions, a decision that stunned the club’s supporters.