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.
— Justin Horneker (@hornekerjustin) 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." https://t.co/W67ZH4VF1C
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."
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 7, 2023
Fewer demands? Ever been to Minnesota on a Wednesday night in February? pic.twitter.com/BxyI8J7Sed
"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."
— Mouhamad Rachini | محمد الرشعيني (@BlameTheKeeper) June 7, 2023
Oof. Quite the condescending tone from a club who Messi gave so much. https://t.co/ZUkah8vqGb
"A league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years."
— Will Palaszczuk (@WilliePStyle) June 7, 2023
Does Barça not know Messi just won the freaking World Cup?! https://t.co/Wd5tBIeakI
They're so butt hurt!!! 🤣🤣🤣
— 🇺🇸 USMNT CORNER 🇺🇸 (@USMNTCORNER) June 7, 2023
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
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
— Didier (@dotfag) June 7, 2023
Why are you dragging my goat ?
😂 https://t.co/vsSao6ophq
Sounds like someone is upset they didn’t get Messi. https://t.co/Dx6XvPCktQ
— Matthew Bruening (@SportsfanaticMB) June 7, 2023
