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Sometimes, the best way is to stay – and Lionel Messi proved it right that Joan Laporta knew it from the start.
He realized that Messi had offers from different clubs. Former Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti had the guts to pay him €250m – and he still declined the offer.
Former Barcelona president Laporta always had a profound feeling that the 19-year-old Messi is in good hands with the Catalan club.
Laporta saw a growing potential in the Argentine player to convince him to devote his time to Camp Nou. Later, Messi’s efforts came to fruition as he transformed into a star during that stint.
Messi was nearly sold by Nerazzurri for €150m, as revealed by the club president for seven years. The appeal is because Messi was still a teenage way back, but he reiterated that the young player has a gleaming talent to be discovered.
Messi, who was 19 at that time, suffered a game-changing injury during his journey from 2005-2006. In only 25 matches, he already recorded eight goals.
Moreover, Laporta said in a news conference that Messi was disappointed to the point that he just wanted to leave.
“But Messi loves Barca and I know that he will give us the chance to have a conversation to help him decide the best for him and for Barca — although we’ve not spoken yet.”
The 58-year-old had some deep connection with Messi’s father, Jorge, as he encouraged Messi to work hard for his dreams.
He added that he urged Jorge to trust him to seek the team to support Messi through ups and downs.
Most importantly, he pushed Messi to make his own history someday. He added that Messi loves the country, the city, and the club.
Meanwhile, Laporta is set to run for the upcoming Barca presidential election with the aim to unite all Barcelona fans. “I want to unite all Barca fans. This is not the time to reproach or look back.”
He also insisted for Messi, who is preparing to talk about his future contract with the foreign clubs, to wait for the elections before finalizing his thoughts of hopping to another team.
The Argentine forward notched 641 goals during his stay in Barcelona. He also bagged 10 Liga titles, six Ballon d’Or awards, and four crowns in the Champions League in his 743 games.
Laporta’s presidential bid was accentuated by the fallout of Barcelona under president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who hampered Messi’s plans to leave at the end of the year.
Manchester City is reportedly on its way to arrange deals with Messi in January as the South American footballer looks forward to taking his talent to the Premier League.
This spurred Laporta to make a blueprint of his vision to salvage the controversy in an inclining aura. He also stated that he would bring back the harmony that was once contained inside the club that Messi loved since the beginning of his career.
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