Neymar’s 2017 departure from Barcelona still resonates within the club. Jordi Mestre, vice-president from 2015 to 2019, stated that the Brazilian was poised to take over Lionel Messi’s starring role. In a recent interview, he revealed that Neymar’s transfer to PSG caught both management and players off guard. Mestre also noted that Messi and his family still harbor resentment toward president Joan Laporta since the Argentine’s 2021 exit.
Neymar’s move to PSG for €222 million marked the most expensive transfer in football history at the time. The decision surprised the squad, as Neymar gave no clear indications of leaving. Mestre recalled that, during Messi’s wedding, Neymar made no mention of his departure. According to the former executive, Neymar’s absence left a gap in the club’s renewal plans.
- Neymar left Barcelona in 2017 for €222 million.
- The transfer to PSG was the most expensive in history at the time.
- The squad was unaware of Neymar’s decision to leave.
- Mestre considers Neymar the ideal successor to Messi.
Reaction to Neymar’s departure
Neymar’s transfer disrupted Barcelona’s long-term planning. Mestre revealed that the club saw the Brazilian as a cornerstone for the future. The sudden exit complicated finding a suitable replacement. The former executive emphasized Neymar’s potential to keep the club among football’s elite.
Messi’s resentment toward Laporta
Messi departed Barcelona in 2021 amid a financial crisis. Mestre disclosed that the Argentine and his family remain upset with Laporta over how the exit was handled. The former executive lamented the lack of a new contract for Messi. He noted that economic constraints made it impossible to retain the star.
Messi’s legacy at the club
Messi brought titles and attracted top players to Barcelona. Mestre argued that the Argentine deserves grand tributes for his impact. He proposed naming a Camp Nou stand after Messi. The former official believes the club should plan a historic farewell for the player before his retirement.
Messi’s exit marked a turning point in Barcelona’s financial struggles. Economic and structural issues prevented a contract renewal. Laporta stated that both the club and Messi wanted to continue, but circumstances made it unfeasible.
Impact of the departures on Barcelona
The exits of Neymar and Messi defined a challenging era for Barcelona. Neymar’s transfer weakened the squad, while Messi’s departure exposed the club’s financial woes. Mestre stressed that Neymar was seen as the future, capable of succeeding Messi. The ongoing economic crisis limited the club’s ability to retain its key players.
Proposed tribute to Messi
Mestre emphasized the need to immortalize Messi’s legacy at Barcelona. He suggested a formal tribute to recognize the Argentine’s contributions on and off the pitch. Naming a Camp Nou stand after Messi was highlighted as a way to honor him. The idea reflects the desire to keep Messi tied to the club post-departure.