Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes what happened to Lionel Messi is sad, but it was necessary for the club’s financial stability. As per the reports, Messi was expected to renew his contract with the club after he became a free agent on 1st July. However, the deal couldn’t be officially signed between the star striker and the club due to LA Liga financial obligations.
In fact, Messi could not sign for Barcelona despite the fact that he was ready to take a 50% wage cut.
Subsequently, Lionel Messi made a move to PSG Saint-Germain where he would be paid a salary of Euro 25 million a year excluding tax. Meanwhile, despite not signing Messi, Barcelona is still in debt of €1.35 billion, as per their president Joan Laporta.
“We are convinced that we made the decisions that had to be made. What happened with Messi is sad, but it was necessary, because the institution is above all,” he said.
“We would have put everything at risk. The situation is dramatic. It’s solvable, but it is dramatic. If this had happened later, we would have had one or two more years of Messi, but the situation occurred now.
“I think it has been a relationship that has lasted a long time and it has been one of the most beautiful love stories that this club has experienced. In the end it has deteriorated. It is the way life is,” the club’s president said.
Thus, Barcelona could be forced to get rid of some of their high earners, which will help them gain financial stability. On the other hand, Lionel Messi will team up with Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe for PSG and the trio will make a potent frontline for the club.
