Barcelona have gone all guns blazing into the 2022 summer transfer window, signing Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, and now possibly Jules Kounde.
Not too long ago, though, they had to let Lionel Messi walk for free due to a lack of funds available to pay his wages, and one cannot help but wonder if more effort could have been put towards him staying.
While it was, almost inarguably, completely the fault of Josep Bartomeu, current president Joan Laporta was caugh in the friendly fire. His name is etched as the president who let the greatest player ever walk on a Bosman deal.
He is, however, quite apologetic about the same. Speaking to ESPN, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, he said:
“I think, hope that Leo Messi’s story with Barcelona is not over yet. It’s still open, it’s our responsibility to make sure it has a more beautiful ending than it was.”
“As Barcelona president, I feel indebted to Messi,” he added.
It has been previously reported that Messi’s relationship with Laporta had gone sour as the Argentine believed his name was used to win the elections, but not enough was done to make sure he actually continued at the club.
That said, Laporta’s words could be construed in the direction of a farewell match instead of what most fans are thinking – a return to the Camp Nou. Either way, it has certainly alerted all ears who support Barcelona.