Laporta reveals who's Barca's God. Hint: It's not Messi
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.10.25. | 19:42
The Catalans' president also disclosed what worsened the club's relationship with the Argentinian and compared the manager Hansi Flick to a renowned Hollywood actor
When you say Barcelona, everyone instantly thinks of Lionel Messi. Some would argue that Cristiano Ronaldo is better, that Ronaldinho's spell at Camp Nou was more romantic, and that Leo couldn't have done everything he did without Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Yet, he is almost synonymous with the Catalan club.
Some would even dare to call him Barca's God, but the Blaugrana's president, Joan Laporta, isn't one of them. For him, the club's deity is another legend.
"Cruyff. We have had a very good relationship with Messi. When we did not renew the contract, it was damaged, and then we recovered it to some extent. What we hope is that he can be given the great tribute he deserves," the 63-year-old stated in an interview with 3Cat via Barca Universal.
🗣️ Laporta: “Our relationship with Messi was very good, but when we didn’t renew his contract, it deteriorated…”
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) October 13, 2025
— “After that, we somewhat regained it. What we hope for now is to be able to give him the great tribute he deserves.” pic.twitter.com/5PyjuAaaJj
He also remarked on the manager Hansi Flick and compared him to a renowned Hollywood actor.
"He's Gladiator, he looks like Russell Crowe."
"He's a great discovery, he's a great coach and a very easy-going guy, he's very emotional, he's German, but he's sensitive with the players and everyone else."
"He's very demanding. You can't change his plans, but at the same time, he's very sensitive. I feel very comfortable with him," Laporta said, thoroughly describing the tactician.
At the same time, the information about Barca's debts appeared earlier today, and even though the Catalans are on the path of recovery, the numbers don't look good.
Namely, the La Liga champions have yet to pay €159 million for the past transfers!
For instance, Leeds are still waiting for €42 million for Raphinha's move to Camp Nou, while Bayern's €20 million for Robert Lewandowski's transfer haven't been paid yet.
The remaining considerable amounts Barca owe are €24.5 million to Sevilla for Jules Kounde, €13.3 million to Man City for Ferran Torres, and €8 million to Betis for Emerson Royal. The list does not end there, but the rest of the sums are smaller.
Even though Barcelona's turnover last year was almost €1 billion, the club ended the period just €2 million in the black because of all its financial liabilities.
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