'I put the institution above anyone': Laporta responds to fans criticizing him over Messi's departure

In his interview with CBS Sports, Joan Laporta was asked to respond to the fans that have been criticizing him for the departure of Leo Messi last summer.

"I did what I had to do, I put the institution over anyone. I know Messi since he was a child, I love him and feel a moral debt towards him," the Barcelona president said.

During the electoral campaign, Laporta assured the fans that he was the only candidate that could keep Messi at the club.

In the end, Laporta decided against offering Leo a new contract, despite the Argentine being open to a pay cut. Barca kept Messi waiting until August only to then tell him that they don't have the money.