Laporta: I don’t want to give false hopes, the negotiations with Messi are over. The “post-Messim” era will start two years earlier than we wanted

It’s over. Joan Laporta confirmed Messi’s departure at a press conference and also refuted the possibility that the situation will turn around and Messi will return to the club. The salary problem remains, but he said it should be possible to register new signings.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed in his opening remarks that Messi was interested in a contract extension and lowered his demands, but ultimately could not be registered, due to La Liga rules.

“The financial numbers and losses are worse than expected. Salaries leave no reserves. Financial fair play is also blocking us. I cannot make a decision that could destroy the club, Barcelona is the most important,” Laporta commented on the financial obstacles that stood in the way of renewing his contract.

“I am sad, but we did everything to make sure Leo stayed and was ready to stay at Barcelona, it was agreed. Now a new era begins without Lionel Messi, we will be grateful to Leo.”

Laporta further stated that he had an agreement with Messi to sign a five-year contract, with the Argentine only receiving a salary for the first two years. Barcelona believed the deal would pass Financial Fair Play, but La Liga did not approve it.

“We wanted the ‘post-Messi’ era to start in two years, but given the circumstances we were forced to bring it forward. I don’t want to give false hopes. We had a deadline because La Liga is starting soon. Now Messi can look for other options,” Laporta said when asked if the situation could still turn around and Messi stay at Barcelona.

the 59-year-old president continued to say that he could not register Messi because of La Liga’s rules, which are not flexible enough.

According to Laporta, Messi wanted to stay at Barcelona, but that will not happen. Thus, he wished the Argentine the best for his future career.

In another question, he also alluded to the salary difficulties of the incoming players. Laporta said that according to the club’s calculations, Barcelona can register Memhpis Depay, Eric Garcia and Kun Agüero.

However, the president of the Catalan club also confirmed that even without Messi’s contract, the club is over the salary cap.

And how to thank Messi for everything he has done for the club? According to Joan Laporta, the tribute will be whatever the diminutive Argentine desires. In his own words, he would pay tribute to him every day.

Source: FC Barcelona