Joan Gaspart hits out at Lionel Messi: 'Who does he think he is?'
Former FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has strongly criticised Lionel Messi, accusing him of setting conditions for a farewell at Camp Nou, according to several media outlets.
Joan Gaspart, former president of FC Barcelona, has launched a scathing attack on Lionel Messi. According to several media outlets, including UOL Esporte, Foot Mercato, and 20minutos, he accuses the Argentine of having set a "condition" for his farewell at Camp Nou. "Who does he think he is?" he said, as quoted by 20minutos and Voetbalzone.
Remarks reported by several media outlets
Joan Gaspart's statements have been picked up by numerous publications. According to Record, the former director issued a warning to Messi: "Who does he think he is? He should be careful." Bola na Rede also reports similar remarks: "Quem pensa que é? Que tenha cuidado. O Barcelona está acima da sua pessoa" ("Who does he think he is? He should be careful. Barça is above his person").
An expected tribute at Camp Nou
Lionel Messi, aged 39, recently bid farewell to the Argentine national team, according to Foot Mercato. The French outlet indicates that FC Barcelona fans would like to pay him an "XXL" tribute at Camp Nou. It is in this context that Joan Gaspart would demand closeness during a potential farewell match, as reported by Bola na Rede.
The former president's stance
Joan Gaspart insisted on the club's primacy: "Barça is above the individual," according to several consistent sources. He also asked Messi to "be careful," reports Maisfutebol. These remarks, made by a historic figure of the Catalan club, have been widely relayed in the European press.
