Lionel Messi Left Barcelona in 2021 to Join PSG, but Still Receives Payments from Former Club
Lionel Messi may have left Barcelona, but the Argentine superstar continues to receive payments from his former club. After his departure from PSG, Messi chose to join Inter Miami, a decision that left Barcelona President Joan Laporta somewhat perplexed. However, Laporta recently revealed that Barcelona is still financially obligated to Messi.
« What we owe him are the deferred salaries that were agreed upon during the previous board, » stated the Barcelona President in an interview with La Vanguardia. During the Covid crisis, Barcelona had requested several star players to stagger their salaries.
Barcelona will continue to make payments to Messi until 2025. « He is paid religiously, » emphasized Joan Laporta, who also discussed the failed attempt to bring Messi back to the club. « We had an agreement with LaLiga that involved dedicating a portion of our resources for Messi’s return. It was considered in the feasibility plan. We discussed it with Jorge Messi (Leo’s father), and he told me that Leo had experienced a difficult year in Paris and wanted less pressure. Our plan would have maintained that pressure. I understood his decision. »
Nevertheless, Joan Laporta confirmed that FC Barcelona intends to pay tribute to the Argentine star. « For the club’s 125th anniversary, upon our return to Camp Nou, it would be perfect, » he specified, referring to the year 2024.