The untold story of Messi's Barcelona exit: A web of deals and disagreements

Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 sent shockwaves through the football world. The iconic player, synonymous with the Catalan club, left as a free agent, a devastating blow to fans and a stark reminder of the club's financial turmoil. While the official narrative pointed to La Liga's financial fair play rules, the true story is far more complex, involving secret meetings, conflicting interpretations of a lucrative deal, and a dramatic internal power struggle.

The Lleida Meeting:

The seeds of Messi's exit were arguably sown on July 3rd, 2021, in a restaurant in Lleida. Joan Laporta, Barcelona's president, met with Javier Tebas, La Liga's president, and Jaume Roures, a prominent media executive. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss Barcelona's participation in La Liga's proposed deal with CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm that offered a significant cash injection to clubs in exchange for a share of their future television rights revenue.

Laporta's Promise and Tebas' Announcement:

Laporta, desperate to secure Messi's contract renewal, reportedly struck a deal with Tebas and Roures. By agreeing to the CVC deal, Barcelona would receive enough funds to comply with La Liga's salary cap and keep their star player. Laporta then informed Messi's father and agent, Jorge Messi, that his son's future at the club was secure.

A month later, on August 2nd, Tebas publicly announced that all La Liga clubs, except Real Madrid, had agreed to the CVC deal, including Barcelona. This announcement caught Real Madrid and its president, Florentino Pérez, completely off guard.

Pérez's Intervention and a Different Interpretation:

Pérez, concerned about the long-term implications of the CVC deal, sought clarification. He spoke with Jaume Roures, who explained the details. Pérez’s interpretation of the deal differed significantly from Tebas's. Pérez viewed the CVC investment as a debt, not a beneficial financial injection, particularly for larger clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. He believed it would ultimately hinder their financial growth in the long run.

Internal Dissent at Barcelona:

Meanwhile, Messi had verbally agreed to a new contract with Barcelona, with a signing ceremony planned. However, the contract remained unsigned. Pérez contacted his general manager, José Ángel Sánchez, who then contacted Barcelona's CEO, Ferran Reverter. Reverter was unaware of the specifics of the CVC agreement. Upon learning the details, he consulted with Laporta and José Elías, a key financial backer of Laporta's board. Elías vehemently opposed the CVC deal, threatening to withdraw his financial support if Barcelona proceeded.

Laporta's U-Turn and Messi's Departure:

Faced with internal opposition and the potential loss of crucial financial backing, Laporta was forced to backtrack on the CVC deal. This decision had a catastrophic consequence: without the CVC funds, Barcelona could no longer afford Messi's salary within La Liga's regulations. The planned signing ceremony was cancelled, and Messi's emotional farewell press conference followed shortly after.

Conclusion:

The narrative surrounding Messi's departure initially focused on La Liga's financial fair play rules. However, the events leading up to his exit reveal a more complex picture. The clandestine meeting in Lleida, the conflicting interpretations of the CVC deal, and the internal power struggle within Barcelona all played a significant role in the departure of one of football's greatest ever players. This wasn't simply about financial fair play; it was a story of broken promises, missed opportunities, and the intricate web of relationships that govern the world of professional football.