Who is Joan Laporta? Barcelona president at center of Lionel Messi family fallout

Joan Laporta. Image via: Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi’s relationship has not been as smooth as one might expect. The duo has reportedly shared a strained relationship over the years. In a recent revelation, former director and vice-president of sports at FC Barcelona, Jordi Mestre, shared astonishing details of their relationship that went sour following an incident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The former club executive claimed that Messi and his family were upset with Laporta. The revelation came during a recent interview and reopened a chapter that many believed had quietly settled after Messi’s emotional departure in 2021. The comments have drawn attention because they touch on finances, loyalty, and how the club handled the end of one of the greatest careers in its history.

Who is Joan Laporta?

Joan Laporta. Image via: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Born in Barcelona on June 29, 1962, Joan Laporta i Estruch built his career as a lawyer and businessman before rising to football leadership. He founded the legal firm Laporta & Arbós and later entered politics, serving in the Parliament of Catalonia from 2010 to 2012. He also became the first Barcelona president elected for two separate terms. Laporta first led the club from 2003 to 2010. During that era, Barcelona secured four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, among other major honors. After an unsuccessful bid in 2015, he returned to power on March 7, 2021, winning 30,184 votes. His second spell has added more domestic silverware, bringing the total to 16 major trophies under his presidency.

Joan Laporta and Lionel Messi fallout

Lionel Messi. Image via: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

In an interview with Sports360, Jordi Mestre highlighted Messi’s impact at Barcelona. "What he gave us is impressive. Not only on the sporting level, but also financially: tours with Leo Messi were one thing, and tours without Messi were another. Sure, he earned a very good salary, but he deserved it, and he also made a lot of money for the club," he explained. Mestre then addressed the reported anger within Messi’s circle. "There were players who came to Barça because they wanted to play with Messi, global stars who wanted to join because Leo was there. I know, through third parties, that Leo Messi and his family are very, very angry with Laporta. Extremely angry. What he said about the barbecue... We've already seen that. Now, I don't know what's on their mind, but I think whatever we do for Messi will seem small. I would do something historic for him," he added.

Joan Laporta explained his relationship with Lionel Messi

Laporta previously spoke publicly about the strained relationship. Reflecting on the contract renewal that never happened, he admitted: ”We’ve had a very good relationship for a long time. When we didn’t renew our contract, it got a little strained. And then we more or less recovered,” he told 3Cat in Oct. 2025. “We’re confident we can give him the great tribute he deserves.” It is unclear if Laporta and Messi resolved their strained relationship.

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