Laporta Confirms Messi Snub at Ballon d'Or Strains Ties

Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, admitted that Lionel Messi's absence from the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony has effectively ended hopes of restoring their friendship. The relationship between Laporta and Messi has been strained since Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 due to financial constraints that prevented the club from renewing his contract.

Messi subsequently signed with Paris Saint-Germain and later moved to Inter Miami CF. Laporta revealed that their meeting at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony was notably frosty, with no handshake exchanged, indicating unresolved tensions from Messi's exit.

Despite discussions about a potential return to Barcelona, these did not materialize, and Messi ultimately chose Inter Miami. Laporta noted that while there has been a gradual thaw in their relationship, the emotional strain from Messi's departure remains significant, as he is regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history.