Former FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has criticised Lionel Messi over the delay in arranging an official farewell ceremony for the Argentine football legend at Camp Nou. Gaspart said Barcelona’s stature and legacy extend beyond any individual player, warning Messi not to allow personal differences with the club’s current leadership to affect his return. His comments have renewed discussion about the long-awaited tribute for Messi, who left the Spanish club in 2021.

Speaking on the podcast Solo para culés, Gaspart acknowledged Messi’s achievements and described him as one of the greatest footballers in the world. However, he stressed that the club must remain above individual personalities. Gaspart, who was Barcelona president when Messi joined the club at the age of 13, said his remarks came from his longstanding affection for the player and his desire to see him formally acknowledge the supporters.

Gaspart also expressed concern over the possibility that Messi’s relationship with current Barcelona president Joan Laporta could influence the timing of the farewell. He argued that the Argentine should return to the club regardless of who holds the presidency. According to Gaspart, a tribute should celebrate Messi’s contribution to Barcelona rather than become entangled in disagreements involving the club’s leadership.

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The former president further warned that he would not support a tribute if Messi made his appearance conditional on Laporta no longer being in charge. Gaspart said he would oppose the ceremony under those circumstances, maintaining that the club’s history and supporters should take precedence over personal differences. His comments underline the continuing sensitivity surrounding Messi’s departure and the absence of an official farewell in front of Barcelona fans.

Messi spent the majority of his European career at Barcelona, progressing through its youth system before becoming a central figure in the senior team. During his time at the club, he established himself as its all-time leading goalscorer and helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international honours. His departure in 2021 came amid the club’s financial difficulties, with Messi subsequently joining Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in the United States.

Gaspart also offered an anecdote about younger members of his family to illustrate how Barcelona’s newer generation of supporters have embraced current star Lamine Yamal. He recalled asking his great-grandchildren whether they would prefer a Barcelona shirt bearing Messi’s name or Yamal’s, saying they chose the younger player. The story reflected the changing faces of the club across generations, while Gaspart’s central message remained that Barcelona’s identity extends beyond any single footballer.

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