As the Joan Gamper Trophy was taking place, Josep Maria Bertomeu took the time to talk about his refusal to go to war with Lionel Messi.
Any club president knows damn well that going to war with the star is not a smart move, Bartomeu knows this with Lionel Messi. The club’s president was dangerously close to going down in history as the chairman who allowed Leo to leave. For many supporters, he already is one of the worst presidents in the club’s history. As he tries to pick up his pieces among the mess that is Barcelona, Bartomeu was smart in the handling of Messi’s request to leave.
The Argentine made the mistake to ask for a free transfer, which would’ve left him as the villain of the story. During the most recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, he refused to keep the bickering going between him and the club’s symbol. It’s clear that he knows best than to keep this war going against Leo. For now, he can remain calm knowing that he didn’t let the player leave.
Messi didn’t look happy after the Gamper.
The statements from Bartomeu left everybody unhappy because they expected him to resign after the vote of ‘No Confidence’. Messi’s face after picking up the Gamper Trophy on Saturday describes the situation perfectly. Barcelona defeated Elche and the skipper had to take pictures with a straight face. It’s clear that despite Bartomeu refusing to speak against Leo, their relationship is broken.
“As president, I will not enter into any conflict with Messi,” Bartomeu told TV3 on Saturday.
“Messi is our captain, our leader. The issue is parked. What has been said has been said.
“I couldn’t allow to let the best player in the world go. The team needs him, he guarantees success. Things have to be discussed at home. You have to support the team and the players.
“We have to congratulate ourselves that Messi is still with us. He is excited about Koeman’s project. The important thing is he plays for Barca, at his home. We want him to retire at the club.”
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