Messi has no current contractual link with the Catalans after his deal expired on June 30
'Messi's departure is a move that helps Florentino. Imagine that (Kylian) Mbappe now signs for Real Madrid.'
Laporta, whose first spell in charge between 2003 and 2010 garnered unprecedented success, announced his candidacy for a second term on Monday.
'Leo wants to return to Barca and I would also like him to return'
Lionel Messi is set to join Paris St Germain after Barcelona were forced to let their Argentine talisman go as they could not afford to give him a new contract under La Liga's salary limit rules.
The club will relocate to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic due to renovation work.
Lionel Messi received a surprise house-share offer from Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos
The club have been trying to rebuild the squad with Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena being sold to make way for free signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.
The Argentine joined Barca on a free transfer during the close season, but made only five appearances in all competitions due to a calf injury and his cardiac issues, scoring once in a 2-1 home defeat by Real Madrid.
'I tried to behave with humility and respect and I hope that is what remains of me when I leave the club.'
Barcelona must considerably reduce their wage bill in order to keep Lionel Messi, La Liga chief Javier Tebas said on Thursday, adding that the club would not be shown any leniency when it comes to obeying the league's strict financial control rules.
Argentina striker Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona despite both parties having reached an agreement over a new contract, the La Liga club said on Thursday, citing economic and structural obstacles to the renewal of deal.
UEFA opens investigation into Barca payments to ex-refereeing official
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PSG's big buy has been left out squad for the Ligue 1 match against Brest.
Barcelona will ask their fans to decide on whether the club should rebuild their CampNou stadium or move to a new site, vice-president Javier Faus told local radio on Tuesday.
According to widespread Spanish media reports, Netherlands coach and former Barca defender Ronald Koeman is set to be named as Setien's successor.
Raphinha excited to follow in footsteps of Brazilian greats at Barcelona
PSG's Champions League tie with Newcastle is like a final, says Luis Enrique
Barcelona pulled off a stirring comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and reach the Copa del Rey final, beating Sevilla 3-0 after extra-time in Wednesday's semi-final second leg, to go through 3-2 on aggregate.
Jeswin Aldrin, who had already qualified for the championships, however missed the cut.
Setien's complaint piled yet more pressure on president Josep Maria Bartomeu less than an hour after a group seeking his removal announced they had gathered enough signatures to force a vote of no-confidence against him.
News of all that transpired on and off the football field...
News that transpired on and off the football field.
Aguero is expected to be the first of a number of arrivals at the Camp Nou this summer
Barcelona would not be allowed to play in La Liga if Catalonia broke away from Spain, the country's football league chief Javier Tebas said as tensions mounted in the region over the possibility of an independence referendum next month.
PSG make winning start as Messi arrival looms
Pep Guardiola will take charge of Premier League Manchester City from July on a three-year contract. Keep reading to know more about Guardiola...
The league said last week that the deal, called 'Boost La Liga', would strengthen its clubs and give them funds to spend on new infrastructure and modernisation projects as well as increasing how much they could spend on players' salaries.
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