Laporta speaks on investigating Messi’s contract leaks and keeping him at Barcelona

Joan Laporta, the frontrunner to win Barcelona’s upcoming presidential elections, spoke to RAC1 in an interview, standing firmly in defense of Lionel Messi. After El Mundo leaked the details of the Argentine superstar’s contract, serious questions have been raised about how economically viable the deal is. Laporta however, has no doubts about Messi’s profitability and importance to the club.

With the elections scheduled for the 7th of March, the former Barcelona president is keen on making every effort possible to keep Messi at the club: “I will do my best [if he wins] for Messi to continue at Barça. I have indications that he is doing well in Barcelona and that he wants to stay. You need to rely on a sporting project to win the Champions League.”

In regards to Messi’s renewal, Laporta reiterated that the next Barça president must do everything possible to get the club captain to stay. Speaking about Messi’s financial importance, he said: “Leo generates much more income than the money it costs. We have carried out a study and it generates a third of Barça’s total income. In no case is Messi the reason behind the current economic situation of the club. “

The candidate then stated how Messi’s continuity at Barcelona is not merely a financial issue: “Messi is not guided by money. You have to look for an imaginative formula. He will not prioritize money. 

“I am convinced that with the economic issue it will help. But the moments that Leo has made us live are priceless. It’s a huge emotional and sporting return. Without him, not much would have been gained.”

He then explained his suspicions of who is behind the contract leak fiasco and what he wants to do to rectify the situation: “Violating the confidentiality of a professional contract is a crime. I have a feeling that it was a leak. If I win I will try to find out the one who had leaked Messi’s contract if he has left the club. It must be known. I will also ask the President of the League.”

Laporta concluded by stating that he has already sent a message of support to Messi and stated his intent to bring back better days for the club: “The atmosphere and philosophy that reigns at the club must be changed. It is necessary to cite the sponsors, give them confidence. It is necessary to talk to the bodies that regulate football.

“I will call the presidents of RFEF, LFP, FIFA, and UEFA. I want to give a message of reassurance. We already did it in 2003 in a similar situation and had turned it around.”