Joan Laporta has few rivals as a public speaker, and this Wednesday he proved it again in the speech that followed his investiture as new president of FC Barcelona. An unscripted half hour address before 300 people in the Camp Nou main stand, in which the new president referred to Barcelona names from club founder Gamper to the legendary Johan Cruyff, the club's La Masia youth schme and its sponsorship agreement with Unicef. An address conveying a message of courage and optimism at a delicate time in the history of the Barça club.
And in the middle of the speech, when the subject appeared to accidently come up, Laporta did not shy away: he directly addressed Leo Messi, who despite wearing his required mask could not hide a huge smile. "I've also come here to be in charge, to make decisions, not to shirk responsibilities, not to have excuses. To deal with situations. So, for example - and now I'll take advantage of the moment - I'll try to convince Leo to stay, that's what has to be done."
As applause broke out, Laporta addressed the Argentinian personally in his seat in the stand: "You know how much we love you and I'll do all I can. Barça loves you," Laporta told a surprised Messi.
"If we had the stadium full, you wouldn't leave, for sure, the pandemic hurts us even in this. Whatever you do, it will be fine. But we will try to convince you. Sorry to refer to you in this event, but you know the affection I have for you", added the new president, aware that any moment is good to try to convince the Barça captain not to leave his lifetime club.
La salutació entre Messi i Laporta... via @FCBarcelona_es
— moisESPN (@moillorens) March 17, 2021
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Hugs for Messi and Piqué
The complicity between Laporta and Messi is self-evident, as is his closeness with Gerard Piqué. The Catalan centre-back, in fact, reported his own positive sensations in a tweet sent shortly after Laporta's investiture ceremony. "We were very happy. We shall be again. Congratulations Joan Laporta. Long live Barça!", wrote Piqué.
Confidence in coach Koeman
Joan Laporta has also had words of support for manager Ronald Koeman, who in recent days has seen the names of Arteta and Nagelsmann linked to the job he currently holds. "We have come together to win titles. Ronald, you know you have the confidence of this new board of directors. What we want, and we already see is that the team has improved and we are very happy and hopeful that this will go further," said Laporta.
Main image: Joan Laporta and Leo Messi, sharing a hug at the investiture session of FC Barcelona's new president / FCB