Soccer Fans Ripped Barcelona’s Petty Statement to Lionel Messi
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.
