Laporta sends a message to Messi as he's inaugurated as Barça's new president
"Forgive me for this Leo, but I love you and Barça loves you, too," the president said at Camp Nou
One of Joan Laporta's main objectives as the new president as FC Barcelona is getting the best player of all time, Lionel Messi, to renew his contract.
Laporta said as much on Wednesday as he was inaugurated as the new Barça president, with Messi among the 300 guests in attendance at Camp Nou.
"I have come here to be in charge, to make decisions, no to run away from responsibilities or make excuses," Laporta said in a 30-minute speech.
"To tackle situations. For example, and I am taking advantage of the situation here now, I will try to convince Leo to stay at the club.
"Sorry Leo, but I will do my best, he knows it. We're going to try and convince him to stay because he's the best ever and, forgive me for this Leo, but I love you and Barca loves you, too.
"If this stadium was full, I'm sure you couldn't leave -- another issue caused by this damned pandemic! Whatever his decision, it will be fine, but we're going to try [and keep him]."
Images showed Messi grinning under his mask as Laporta aimed the comments at him during his discourse.
Both had embraced before the event started as Laporta greeted the attendees. He can now get to work on convinced the No.10 to stay at Barcelona.
