J. Laporta: 'L. Messi deserves the best tribute in the stadium'

2026-03-13 20:50 © Lionel Messi asm,

"Barcelona” club president Joan Laporta revealed before Sunday's presidential elections how he will honor the legendary player of this team, Lionel Messi:

"We are working on a tribute ceremony for L. Messi, which he deserves in a full stadium of spectators.

I think that is the best thing we can do, but now is the time to talk about the present and the future.

I think we should focus on the players we have, such as: Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Pedri. Also Hansi Flick and other members.”

"I want to reiterate that I have the utmost respect for L. Messi, but it is important not to use his name in this election process.”

On Monday, former "Barcelona” player and coach Xavi Hernández criticized J. Laporta for not seeking to bring back the Argentinian after the last World Cup.

Lionel Messi played for the "Barcelona” club from 2004 to 2021 and scored 672 goals in 778 matches.