Ex-Barcelona sporting director suggested sending Messi ‘back to Argentina’ in 2001

A fresh report from Cat Radio has shed light on roadblocks and resistance that Lionel Messi had to face before he was given his first contract at Barcelona.

The little magician from Rosario was handed a trial at the club back in late 2000, following which the club wanted to sign him on. However, his health condition led to some of the board members hesitating on signing the extremely gifted teenager in early 2001.

As per the report, Barça, led by then-chairman Joan Gaspart had put forth a contract worth €600,000 per year for the Argentine sensation, who was just 14 at the time. It was uncommon for players of his age to be given such a handsome contract at the time.

And the move did not please the club’s sporting director Javier Perez Farguell, who had recently assumed office. Unhappy with the decision, he is believed to have lashed out at the prospect of signing Messi, saying:

“Who do you think he is? Maradona? Let him go back to Argentina!”

These developments had put Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid on high alert, with their president Jorge Valdano keeping a close watch on the situation. Los Blancos were even willing to offer a bigger pay to the then-teenager Messi.

However, Barça were able to resolve the matter and sign the Argentine, on terms lower than what was initially offered, with the club citing that they had a clause that prohibited them from paying beyond a certain sum for players of his age group.

And the rest is history. Messi went on to enjoy nearly two decades of success with the Barcelona first team.

The 34-year-old went on to become one of the best ever to have played the game, and while it was largely believed that he would see out his career at Camp Nou, unfortunate circumstances led to his exit last year.