Former President Joan Gaspart: 'Barca is Greater than Messi'
October 14, 2026 · Hugo García
Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart emphasizes that the club's legacy is greater than any individual, including Lionel Messi, urging him to return for a proper farewell.
Former President Joan Gaspart: 'Barca is Greater than Messi'
According to Vnexpress.
Background
Lionel Messi, who spent over two decades at Barcelona, is synonymous with the club's modern success. His departure in 2021 marked the end of an era, and Gaspart's comments reflect the ongoing sentiment that while Messi is a footballing icon, the club's identity and legacy will always take precedence. This perspective is crucial as Barcelona navigates its future while honoring its storied past.
Why this matters
Joan Gaspart's remarks highlight a long-standing debate about the relationship between individual players and club legacy, particularly in the case of Lionel Messi, who is often regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. His omission of Barcelona in his farewell speech has reignited discussions about the emotional ties between Messi and the club, especially amid tensions with current president Joan Laporta. This situation underscores the complexities of player-club relationships in football, particularly for a figure as iconic as Messi.
Key Takeaways
- Former President Joan Gaspart: 'Barca is Greater than Messi'.
- Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart emphasizes that the club's legacy is greater than any individual, including Lionel Messi, urging him to return for a proper farewell.
- Lionel Messi remains central to Barcelona's plans.
This statement sparked a debate regarding whether Barcelona had invited Messi back for a farewell ceremony, which he declined due to his relationship with the current president, Laporta. Jordi challenged Freixa's assertion, suggesting he should address Messi directly about why he hasn’t returned. Freixa maintained that he had received different information regarding Messi’s invitations, asserting that the relationship between Messi and the club remains strong despite his departure in 2021.
Gaspart, now 82 years old, reiterated the importance of Barcelona's legacy, stating, "Messi is an undeniable legend, but we must not forget that Barca is always above him. He should be cautious and recognize this. My love for Messi comes from having signed him when he was just 13 years old."
He expressed his hope that Messi would eventually return to honor the fans, regardless of who is president at the time. "If Messi doesn’t come back to say goodbye just because Laporta is president, then I would not attend that farewell ceremony," Gaspart said emphatically. This remark raised eyebrows, with Jordi humorously suggesting that if Gaspart were absent, it would be a significant oversight for such an important event.
As the conversation shifted to Messi's contract with Inter Miami, which runs until the end of 2028, it was noted that the Camp Nou renovations are also scheduled for completion around that time. The guests speculated that this could create an opportunity for a farewell event at Camp Nou, emphasizing the deep connection between Messi and Barcelona. **Gaspart concluded by asserting that Messi must not wait for a different president to return; he owes it to the club and its fans to come back and honor their shared history.**
What happens next
The conversation around Messi's potential return to Barcelona for a farewell ceremony remains speculative, especially given his strained relationship with Joan Laporta. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Messi will eventually reconcile with the club that shaped his career. As the debate continues, it may influence future interactions between Messi and Barcelona, as well as the club's efforts to honor its past legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Joan Gaspart say about Barcelona and Messi?
Joan Gaspart stated that FC Barcelona will always stand above any individual, including Lionel Messi.
When did Messi give his farewell speech to the Argentina national team?
Lionel Messi gave his farewell speech to the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026.
What was the context of Gaspart's comments about Messi?
Gaspart's comments were made during a discussion on the program _Sólo para Culés_ in response to Messi's omission of Barcelona in his farewell speech.
Who moderated the discussion where Gaspart made his comments?
The discussion was moderated by Jota Jordi, a former player from La Masia turned player agent.
Did Messi mention Barcelona in his farewell speech?
No, Messi notably did not mention Barcelona in his farewell speech to the Argentina national team.
