LIONEL MESSI was labelled a “hormonal dwarf” and “sewer rat” by an ex-Barcelona board member, according to a sensational report.
World Cup winner Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain upon the expiry of his contract in 2021.
However, Barca chiefs were left infuriated by a press leak which shared details of the contract offered to Messi – which would have seen him net almost £500million – prior to his emotional exit.
And Spanish outlet El Periodico revealed messages allegedly sent in a group chat between the club’s former hierarchy on January 31, 2021.
The chat the messages were sent in included ex-president Josep Bartomeu, CEO Òscar Grau, directors Pancho Schroder and Javier Sobrino, executives Jordi Moix, Oriol Tomàs and David Bellver and legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti.
Ponti, in particular, fired a sharp-tongued message to Bartomeu regarding his favouritism of Messi.
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In his message he said: “Barto, really, you can’t be such a good person with this sewer rat.
“The club has given him everything and he has dedicated himself to marking a dictatorship of signings, transfers, renewals, sponsorships just for him, etc.”
Ponti ranted about Messi’s power at the club in demanding new deals for team-mates Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.
He then ranted about the renewal fee for Ansu Fati’s contract, which went to Messi’s brother and agent Rodrigo.
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Ponti then went on to speak about “blackmail” and Messi’s lack of support as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
He added: “And above all the accumulation of blackmail and rudeness that the club and those who work have suffered from this hormonal dwarf that owes Barça life … ah!
“But when they come badly given (pandemic) you receive the mythical WhatsApp: ‘presi, lower the salary to others, but do not touch me and Luis.'”
Ponti then blasted Messi as a “pesetero,” meaning money-grabber.
The financial difficulties of the club eventually saw Messi leave as Barcelona could not lower their wage bill enough to accommodate the 35-year-old.
These difficulties have continued, and despite a summer which saw them trigger a number of “economic levers” to help them do business, recent reports still suggest they are £178m over budget in wages.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
