Barcelona great Lionel Messi’s brother suggested the club are only famous because of his younger sibling, though he has since apologised.
Lionel Messi’s relationship with Barcelona is unaffected by comments made by the legendary forward’s brother, according to club president Joan Laporta.
Matias Messi revealed in a question-and-answer session on the Twitch streaming platform that “nobody knew” Barca before his trophy-winning brother at the Camp Nou.
The 40-year-old said he would sack Laporta as part of a “clean-up” at the club if his brother returned to the Catalan heavyweights.
He apologized on his Instagram account on Wednesday, saying he was “just joking with my son and my friend”, but the comment did not go well for Barca.
However, Laporta, speaking at a press conference on Thursday to discuss Barca’s latest account, said the comments would not affect Messi’s position at the club.
“I discount what his brother said,” Laporta said. “Then ask for forgiveness, don’t think about it anymore.
“This does not affect the relationship between Messi and Barcelona.
“Out of respect, I don’t want to comment on other team players.
“Leo Messi is a permanent part of Barcelona and we are proud. He is the best in the world and the best in history.”
Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona in 17 seasons as a first team player, winning 35 trophies during that time.
The Argentina international will join Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, inheriting the iconic number 10 shirt from academy player Ansu Fati.
Fati has been linked with a move away from Barça in recent weeks, with Manchester United reportedly interested, but Laporta has ruled out a move in the next transfer window.
“We are not considering that at this time.” “I can’t predict the future, but Ansu Fati is a promising player.
“It all depends on whether it stays good for the club and [head coach] Xavi. A lot is expected from him and we don’t want to sell the player now.
“We don’t know if the players want to leave and we will continue to do what suits the club.”
Laporta has confirmed that Ousmane Dembele is not for sale, and captain Sergio Busquets’ future is uncertain after the end of the season after his contract expires.
Barcelona, eight points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, return to Villarreal on Sunday.
