Joan Laporta's advisor admits Lionel Messi's Barcelona exit 'could have been done better' as he confirms reason for club president's brutal decision

Messi's exit from the Blaugrana came in tragic circumstances, as the club's financial problems forced their hand. The Argentinian, now playing in the United States for Inter Miami, was in tears as he confirmed his departure at a news conference, saying he was "convinced" that he was going to stay at the club he joined as a 13-year-old.

At the time, Barcelona attributed Messi's exit to "financial and structural obstacles" put in place by "Spanish La Liga regulations on player registration", as they struggled to meet the league's salary cap rules. Messi was willing to take a pay cut in order to stay but ultimately, a new deal couldn't be reached and he left for Paris Saint-Germain, having played his final game in front of an empty Camp Nou owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The president said that the club could not be endangered and it is so," Enric Masip said, per Marca. "Maybe it could have been done better. He left Laporta touched because he was very fond of him."

The club have voiced their desire to welcome Messi back in some way to say a proper farewell to their fans, whether that's a tribute match or even the first game at their revamped Camp Nou.