Shortly after it was announced Wednesday that Lionel Messi would be joining MLS’s Inter Miami, his longtime former club, FC Barcelona, released a statement wishing the player “the best of luck.”
A reunion with Barcelona was considered to be in play for Messi after he concluded his tenure with Paris Saint-Germain last week. It was confirmed in the club’s statement that the team offered Messi a proposal to return to the club where he played for 21 years.
But the brief statement seemed a tad petty in its wording in the estimation of some fans.
“President [Joan] Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years,” the statement read. “Both Joan Laporta and [Lionel’s father] Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”
Soccer fans weren’t too pleased with how Barcelona worded the statement, especially when not-so-subtly ripping MLS. Here are some of the best reactions.
This is so petty when you only have your poor financial situation to blame.
"President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years." https://t.co/W67ZH4VF1C
— Justin Horneker (@hornekerjustin) June 7, 2023
BARCA STATEMENT 🙄 "President Laporta understood & respected Messi's decision to want to compete in league with fewer demands, further away from spotlight & pressure he has been subject to in recent years."
Fewer demands? Ever been to Minnesota on a Wednesday night in February? pic.twitter.com/BxyI8J7Sed
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 7, 2023
"President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years."
Oof. Quite the condescending tone from a club who Messi gave so much. https://t.co/ZUkah8vqGb
— Mouhamad Rachini | محمد الرشعيني (@BlameTheKeeper) June 7, 2023
"A league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years."
Does Barça not know Messi just won the freaking World Cup?! https://t.co/Wd5tBIeakI
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) June 7, 2023
They're so butt hurt!!! 🤣🤣🤣
What a petty statement-
"President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years."#MLS #MESSI https://t.co/FBF2pgwZ8Y
— 🇺🇸 USMNT CORNER 🇺🇸 (@USMNTCORNER) June 7, 2023
This isn’t how an elite organization should treat its best player of all time
— Christopher Kinnison (@thaitopher) June 7, 2023
President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years
Why are you dragging my goat ?
— Didier (@dotfag) June 7, 2023
Sounds like someone is upset they didn’t get Messi. https://t.co/Dx6XvPCktQ
— Matthew Bruening (@SportsfanaticMB) June 7, 2023
