Angry Messi makes dramatic ‘LIARS’ statement over Barcelona claim
Robin Bairner
- 1 Nov 2023 07:15 GMT
- 3 min read
Lionel Messi has taken to Instagram to shoot down claims that he has held a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
Messi picked up his eighth Ballon d’Or in Paris in Monday, extending his own personal record in terms of victories in the prestigious award.
It was claimed by Gerard Romero in the aftermath of the ceremony, though, that he had met with Laporta in order to discuss returning to Barcelona to give him a chance to say a proper goodbye after his contract with the club expired in the summer of 2021 and he was forced out of the club in an unceremonious manner.
“Joan Laporta and Leo Messi spoke at the end of the Ballon d'Or gala. The president thanked Leo for his words during the speech and they met to find the best possible date for the tribute,” it was claimed by Romero on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Messi, who had spoken of his unfinished business with Barca during his acceptance speech, rejected the claims that he had been in discussions with Laporta.
“Liars… one more time,” Messi posted on his Instagram stories.
What will Messi do this winter?
The 36-year-old is presently playing with Inter Miami, where his first season ended in disappointment as his side missed out on the playoffs, despite Messi scoring 11 times in 14 appearances in all competitions.
Though he has a contract for another two seasons with David Beckham’s MLS franchise, there is persistent speculation over his future.
A return to Barcelona as a player had been mooted as a possible loan option for him this winter, while there were also rumours that the Saudi Pro League could make another move for him while Neymar is out injured.
Both deals, however, are unlikely, with Messi set to take the opportunity to rest after a busy 18 months that saw him play a season for PSG, leave for Inter Miami and win the World Cup with Argentina.
