Laporta Confirms Barcelona’s Ongoing Financial Obligation to Messi, Extending Payment Period until 2025

In his recent interview with La Vanguardia, Barcelona president Joan Laporta shed light on the ongoing financial obligation the club has towards Lionel Messi. Laporta confirmed that Barcelona still owes a significant portion of Messi’s wages from his time at the club and will continue making payments to him for the next two years.

The deferral of Messi’s salary was agreed upon during the tenure of the previous board, resulting in pending payments that are scheduled to be completed by 2025, according to Laporta. Despite Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021, the club remains committed to fulfilling their financial obligations towards him.

While these payments contribute to Barcelona’s wage bill, Laporta emphasized that it should not significantly impact their compliance with financial fair play regulations. He expressed optimism about the improved relations with La Liga, indicating that the payments being made to Messi will not jeopardize the club’s financial stability.

The fact that Barcelona still has Messi on their wage bill may come as a surprise to many, considering his emotional departure from the club after the expiration of his contract. However, Laporta clarified that the outstanding amount is attributed to the deferred salary agreed upon with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

It’s worth noting that other former players, such as Gerard Pique, are also owed substantial amounts in deferred salary. However, Pique chose to forgive the debt owed to him in an effort to support the club during challenging financial times.

During the current transfer window, Barcelona made efforts to bring Messi back to the club for a final stint, but he ultimately opted to join Inter Miami as the financial package presented by Barcelona was not convincing enough for his return. Despite his departure, the financial commitment from Barcelona towards Messi underscores the significant impact he had on the club both on and off the field.