Barcelona President Joan Laporta has stated that the club has the ability to compete with Saudi Arabia's offer for Lionel Messi, even if they cannot match it financially.
According to ESPN, Messi, who will turn 36 in June, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent when his contract expires this summer, with sources indicating that there is an offer for the Argentina international from Saudi Arabia. Inter Miami from Major League Soccer has also expressed interest in the player.
"Barca is Barca, with all due respect to Saudi Arabia - where a lot of good work and investment is taking place around the league there," Laporta stated on Monday after Barcelona won their 27th LaLiga title on Sunday.
"Barca is his home. Barca can compete with anyone. The history this club has and the feeling of our 400 million supporters is so strong."
Although Barcelona's economic situation prevents them from matching the potential earnings Messi could receive in the Middle East, they are optimistic that LaLiga's strict financial fair play regulations will allow them to make signings during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that despite the club's financial constraints, they can still compete with Saudi Arabia's offer for Lionel Messi, as Barca is his home. Laporta hopes that LaLiga will approve their viability plan, which will allow them to make signings this summer and build a competitive team for next season. Laporta also addressed his relationship with Messi, which was strained when the player left for PSG in 2021, saying that he recently spoke with Messi to rectify the situation, and they have recovered their relationship. Laporta also expressed his displeasure at PSG fans jeering Messi after he was suspended by the club for an unauthorised commercial trip to Saudi Arabia. In contrast, Messi is still beloved in Barcelona, where fans chanted his name during their recent title celebrations.
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