Laporta hits out at PSG over Messi, reveals his plan
The next Barca president, potentially, spoke to L'Equipe
Joan Laporta thinks PSG have lacked respect for Barcelona by publicly airing their desire to sign Lionel Messi.
“PSG’s behaviour is absolutely not good,” he said in an interview with L’Equipe. “They lacked respect for Barca. (However PSG) are a team that you have to take into account on the European stage.
“I understand perfectly that a player like Neymar wants to play with Leo Messi. I would like to play with him too, but that a club representative (Leonardo) says it, is out of place, it shows his lack of experience at this level.
“He still has a lot to learn in the world of football.”
On whether PSG could lure Messi, he added: “From what I know, they had big losses last year. I would like to know if they are going to ignore FFP regulations to sign him. If that happens I hope UEFA and FIFA react strongly and that the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) don’t tremble when it comes to publishing their verdict.”
Laporta said the Messi case is “priority” for Barca and that whoever wins the elections “will have to make all the effort possible for him to stay”.
That is, “to make a financial offer adapted to the club’s possibilities, but also to convince him with the sporting project.”
In that regard he has an advantage on the other candidates, Laporta believes.
“I believe in Leo and he believes in me. He knows I will make good on my promises. You can’t be stingy when it comes to the best player in the world.”
