Pique to Laporta: 'Without Messi, the financial fair play issue is fixed'

Gerard Pique advised Joan Laporta and told him that the solution to Barcelona's delicate financial situation was to not renew Lionel Messi's contract, according to El Paris. 

"Without Leo, the financial fair play issue is fixed," the Barça centre back said to the president, who had been looking for a formula to keep Messi at the club since being elected in March. He didn't find one. 

According to the cited information, Pique suggested it would not be a big deal if Messi left. The conversation reached Messi, who felt betrayed by the defender, who he had played alongside at Barça for many years. 

The saga ended with Messi moving to Paris Saint-Germain. 

The El Pais article also reveals that Messi struggled to adapt to life in Paris, but he tried to "win round" the PSG dressing room from day one. 

"I was surprised by the Leo that arrived in Paris," added one unnamed PSG player in the report. "He's more social, he asks you things and tells you things about his life." 

Another said: "He doesn't speak. He sits in his place quietly and looks at everything."