Lionel Messi and Barcelona's Complicated Breakup
Barcelona's President, Laporta, spoke candidly with media outlets, a day after announcing that Messi, widely regarded as one of the world's greatest footballers, would not re-sign with the Spanish club after 19 years. Barcelona stated that a new contract had been agreed upon but could not be finalized due to the club's financial situation and La Liga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Laporta acknowledged that re-signing Messi presented certain risks, but the club couldn't risk further jeopardizing its future. He urged listeners to set emotions aside and focus on numbers, advocating for more flexibility from La Liga. "Barcelona stands above all else, even the world's best players," Laporta added.
Messi's Exit and Finances
Messi's departure, though bitter-sweet for the club and its fans, was largely influenced by Barcelona's financial woes. Due to an agreement between Barcelona and Messi, they had initially agreed upon a two-year contract with a five-year payment plan, followed by a five-year contract. However, even with a salary reduction, Messi's wage would still represent 95% of the club's earnings, providing minimal room for change.
The Spanish news outlet El Mundo reported that Messi's contract is worth a staggering $672 million, making him the highest-paid sportsman in history. Laporta revealed that a recent review of the club's finances had uncovered significant, unexpected liabilities that made the financial situation even more challenging.
Messi's Long and Grand Career at Barcelona
Messi joined Barcelona in 2004 and went on to win ten La Liga titles and four Champions League titles during his 19-year career with the club. He lifted the Copa del Rey trophy in April this year, clinching his 35th trophy with the Catalan giants.
Laporta, however, remained optimistic about the club's post-Messi future. He revealed that the team was more motivated than ever and expressed faith that the post-Messi era would be a successful one.
Barcelona's Challenges
Barcelona's financial issues can be partly blamed on the club's inflated payroll, which currently amounts to 110% of its total earnings. La Masia, Barcelona's renowned youth academy, has produced numerous stars, including Guardiola, Iniesta, and Messi, among others.
However, the academy has failed to supply Barcelona with quality players in recent years, forcing the club to invest heavily in established stars. Since the 2013-14 season, Barcelona has spent over $1 billion on transfer fees, leading to a large wage bill.
COVID-19 Impact and Incompetence
Economic experts partially attribute Barcelona's financial woes to the COVID-19 pandemic. The enforced lockdowns and stadium closures worldwide resulted in significant revenue losses for football clubs, particularly in ticket sales and TV rights.
Barcelona, heavily reliant on tourist-focused ticket sales, has been more affected than other teams. Simon Kuper, a Financial Times columnist and author of "Barcelona Complex," criticized the club's mismanagement of funds. Despite booking massive spending on transfer fees and player salaries, Barca failed to recruit the right players and stunted the development of promising ones.
Lessons Learned
Barcelona must now take responsibility for its financial predicament. The club must refocus its strategy and prioritize financial prudence to avoid repeating past mistakes. Meanwhile, the fans continue to mourn the departure of their beloved superstar while looking forward to a new dawn for their favorite team.
