The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has delivered a strong and wide-ranging response to recent controversies surrounding the club, addressing topics ranging from former manager Xavi Hernandez to the ongoing Negreira investigation and the failed return of Lionel Messi.
In a lengthy interview that has drawn widespread attention across Spanish and international media, Laporta defended the club’s leadership decisions while criticizing both political opponents and rival clubs. His remarks also touched on Barcelona’s financial recovery and the club’s long-term sporting project.
The interview reflects the intense pressure surrounding Barcelona in recent years, as the club attempts to rebuild both financially and competitively following a period of instability.
Laporta Responds to Xavi’s Criticism
Laporta’s most direct comments were aimed at former Barcelona coach Xavi, who recently gave an interview suggesting that certain internal decisions prevented Messi’s return to the club. Laporta dismissed those claims and defended the club’s decision to move on from the legendary midfielder as head coach.
According to the Barcelona president, the club’s current sporting direction demonstrates that the decision was justified. Laporta pointed to improved results under current manager Hansi Flick, suggesting that the same squad that struggled under Xavi is now performing better.
Laporta also accused political rival Victor Font of using Xavi’s reputation to damage the current administration, arguing that the former coach had been drawn into internal political disputes surrounding the club’s leadership.
Explaining Messi’s Departure and Missed Return
One of the most sensitive issues addressed by Laporta was the failure to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona after the Argentine legend left the club in 2021. While many supporters had hoped for an emotional return, Messi ultimately joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
Laporta revealed that discussions with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, played a decisive role in the outcome. According to Laporta, Jorge Messi personally advised that his son would be better off continuing his career away from the intense pressure that surrounds Barcelona.
The Barcelona president claimed that both the United States and Saudi Arabia offered Messi an opportunity to play in a more relaxed environment, allowing him to enjoy the final stages of his illustrious career without the heavy expectations that accompany a return to Camp Nou.
Refereeing Controversy and Rivalry with Real Madrid
Laporta also reignited tensions with Real Madrid CF by suggesting that refereeing decisions in Spain often appear to favor the capital club. The Barcelona president argued that controversial calls frequently benefit Madrid, particularly during difficult moments in matches.
He further claimed that the structure of Spain’s refereeing leadership has historically included individuals with close ties to Real Madrid. According to Laporta, such historical connections contradict the narrative that Barcelona has been responsible for manipulating referees.
These comments are likely to deepen the already fierce rivalry between Spain’s two most successful clubs and may fuel further debate regarding the transparency of refereeing in Spanish football.
Laporta Defends Barcelona in the Negreira Case
Another key topic in Laporta’s interview was the ongoing investigation into payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
Laporta strongly rejected accusations of corruption, insisting that the payments were for legitimate consultancy services involving technical analysis of referees. According to him, the reports provided by Negreira’s company helped Barcelona better understand refereeing tendencies and prepare for matches.
The Barcelona president also argued that such services were not unique to his club. He claimed that similar consultancy arrangements had been used by other teams, including Atletico Madrid, suggesting that Barcelona had been unfairly singled out in the investigation.
Financial Recovery and Focus on Young Talent
Despite the controversies surrounding the club, Laporta emphasized what he described as significant progress in Barcelona’s financial recovery. According to the president, the club has reduced its overall debt by approximately €200 million during the past five years.
He also highlighted the importance of securing long-term commitments from several key players who represent the club’s future. Among those mentioned were Lamine Yamal, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde.
For Laport, these renewals represent a clear commitment to building a competitive team around young talent while ensuring the club remains financially sustainable. As Barcelona continues to rebuild both on and off the pitch, the president insists the club is moving in the right direction despite the controversies that continue to surround it.
