Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has stepped back into the spotlight, revisiting the controversial departure of Lionel Messi and offering a firm defence of his role in one of Barca’s most defining moments.
With tensions still lingering between past and present leadership, Bartomeu has challenged the narrative that his administration was responsible for the Argentine’s emotional exit in 2021.
As the debate continues to swirl, the former president insists that the outcome could have been very different.
“If they had done what needed to be done, it would have been perfectly possible to renew Leo Messi’s contract and sign players,” he claimed.
Bartomeu pointed the finger at financial fair play complications, arguing that decisions taken by the incoming board ultimately shaped the club’s limitations.
According to him, revised financial figures triggered stricter controls that left Barcelona unable to manoeuvre in the transfer market.
“It wasn’t the legacy’s fault, but rather ‘financial fair play’, because the new board inflated the losses to €555 million.
“When La Liga received this, it decided to carry out a second audit and concluded that the losses were not as stated, as there were provisions amounting to €283 million.
“But Barca decided to stand by its proposal, La Liga applied the rules, and the club lost a financial fair play penalty which, to this day, it has still not recovered.”
As the narrative builds, Bartomeu also shifted focus to Messi’s immense value, both on and off the pitch, suggesting the forward’s influence far exceeded his earnings.
“Messi was underpaid for what he delivered, both in sporting, financial and commercial terms”
In addition, he emphasized that Messi had always been aligned with the club’s long-term vision and was willing to guide the next generation of talent.
“He would have loved to be part of the squad’s renewal, alongside these young players we have now, who are also part of this famous legacy, but he was let go, and it couldn’t be.”
Rewinding further, Bartomeu addressed the earlier transfer saga involving Messi’s attempt to leave via burofax, insisting the club had no choice but to retain him at the time.
“Barca needed him, and I explained clearly to him, his family and his agents that it was impossible. In the end, he understood and moved on.
“He had the right to say whatever he wanted, and he was certainly the boss in the dressing room, but not at the club.”
As the dust continues to settle, Bartomeu’s version adds another layer to a story that still defines modern the Blaugrana: one filled with brilliance, tension, and what-ifs that continue to echo across football.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
