In the midst of a judicial crisis surrounding FC Barcelona due to allegations of money laundering and undue commissions, club president Joan Laporta spoke out in a recent interview with Catalunya Ràdio. He defended his management amid these serious accusations, which have drawn significant public and media scrutiny. Laporta also shed light on his current relationship with club legend Lionel Messi, which has reportedly soured since Messi's departure in 2021.

Laporta shared a poignant anecdote from the Ballon d'Or 2023 event, where his attempt to greet Messi was met with coldness, emphasizing the emotional rift that has developed between them. According to Laporta, when he approached Messi to say hello, the Argentine star seemingly felt that they should not exchange pleasantries. This incident was symbolic of a larger estrangement that has characterized their interactions since Messi left Barcelona, a situation that highlights the tension between the two, who had once shared a close bond.

Despite this chilly encounter, Laporta acknowledged that they had made attempts to reconcile their relationship, but those efforts have yet to bear fruit. The ongoing legal issues facing Barcelona may further complicate matters, as they not only affect Laporta's political standing as club president but also the legacy of Messi, who is closely associated with the club’s recent history. The situation poses challenges for the future of FC Barcelona, as Laporta navigates between the club's finances, legal battles, and interpersonal relationships with key figures like Messi.