Five Years Without Messi. the Farewell Is Still Being Planned

On 5 August 2021, FC Barcelona needed just three paragraphs to bring more than two decades of history with Lionel Messi to an end. “Financial and structural obstacles” and La Liga regulations were officially blamed. Within minutes, the greatest player in the club’s history had become someone Barça could no longer fit into its budget.

As the Spanish newspaper “AS” points out, five years later Messi’s relationship with Barcelona remains far warmer than his relationship with Joan Laporta. The Argentine continues to show his affection for the club and even visited the redeveloped Camp Nou at night, but attempts at reconciliation with the president have failed. A statue and a grand farewell match have both been promised. So far, the plans are doing brilliantly — as long as nobody expects them to be completed.

The entire episode has not seriously damaged Laporta’s political position. During those five years, Barcelona have won three La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey. The trophies can be counted, as can the years since Messi’s departure. Barça still cannot find a date for the farewell he deserves.