Lionel Messi loves Barcelona above all else

On August 5, Barça experienced one of its most dramatic afternoons. The best player in the world and in history had to leave the club due to the serious economic problems they had. Leo Messi, the idol of all Catalans, the boy who became a legend at Camp Nou, the footballer who had broken all the records, left through the back door, rendering millions of Blaugrana members and fans orphans. Barça let him go with a sad ten-line statement. And the Argentine star appeared, 48 hours later, in a press conference so emotional that no one could avoid tears. Almost three months later, Messi welcomed SPORT to his new home in Paris. In the privacy of his home, the new PSG star opened his heart to the correspondents of this newspaper, granting an exclusive interview that will undoubtedly attract attention across the planet.

Messi did not want to draw blood. Nor enter into controversy. He was very cautious in his statements. He loves Barça. Above all. And he doesn't want to hurt the club that made him a legend. But he made clear his discomfort with the current board of directors. And especially with President Laporta. Leo explained that he had agreed to cut his salary what they demanded: 50 percent. And that he was in a position to go even further if it had been necessary. But no one asked him. Nor to play for free. He had to leave because they assured him that they could not pay him. Without giving him the option to negotiate. One day he interrupted his holidays in Ibiza to sign his renewal and the next day he was forced to find a new team. A surreal ending to a perfect spell, on and off the pitch.

Messi continues thinking about the blaugrana. He cannot be otherwise. It has been twenty years of an intense relationship. And although he wants to win titles with PSG (especially the Champions League, his great obsession), he already dreams of returning to Barcelona and Barça. His home. As technical secretary. Or whatever. It's the same. He wants to put his experience and his talent at the service of the club that he has given him so much. Messi is the patrimony of Barcelonismo. And he will always be. Now we have to wish him the best in Paris and await his return with open arms. Thank you Leo for opening the doors of your house to SPORT. It was a huge privilege. And a pleasure. You already know that we miss you very much here. And that we will always love you ... See you soon.