Barcelona Debt Controversy: Fresh Claims Over Messi’s Exit

Barcelona debt has once again taken center stage as presidential candidate Xavier Vilajoana publicly challenges the club’s financial narrative and demands answers about Lionel Messi’s shock departure in 2021. The latest developments, triggered by a new independent report, put Joan Laporta’s presidency under intense scrutiny and reignite debate ahead of the 2026 club elections.

Barcelona Debt Reaches Record High, Report Reveals

The “Economic X-ray of FC Barcelona (2005-2025)” report, commissioned by Vilajoana, paints a stark picture of Barcelona’s finances. According to the analysis, Barcelona’s debt has soared to €4.12 billion—reportedly the highest ever recorded in European football. This staggering figure highlights a 293% increase since 2021, contradicting Laporta’s previous assurances of a financial recovery after the Bartomeu era.

Crucially, even if the Espai Barca stadium project’s €2.82 billion is set aside, Barcelona’s operational and financial debts still surpass €1.3 billion. Vilajoana’s report directly accuses Laporta’s administration of using €929 million from asset sales—including TV rights, Barca Studios, and VIP boxes—to fund daily operations rather than investing in long-term stability. The report labels this approach “unsustainable” and “deceptive,” raising questions over the true health of the club’s finances.

Vilajoana Accuses Laporta Board of Concealing Barcelona Debt

Addressing the findings, Vilajoana delivered a scathing critique of Laporta’s board. He accused the president of masking a worsening financial situation, claiming, “In four years, Laporta has sold nearly €900 million of inherited assets. Without that inheritance, accumulated losses would already exceed €1 billion—the equivalent of our entire first-team squad’s value.”

The report further alleges that accounting manipulation has altered the perception of debt and results by including more than €380 million in financial statements “without real basis.” Vilajoana believes these practices mislead members and distort the club’s real financial status. “Pretending the numbers balance is not saving the club, it is deceiving it,” he said.

Questions Raised Over the Real Reason for Messi’s Exit

One of the report’s most explosive claims challenges the widely accepted explanation for Messi’s 2021 departure. Vilajoana questions whether Barcelona debt was the true reason behind the exit of the club’s greatest ever player. “Messi’s departure was said to be for financial reasons. But if that’s really the case, the numbers now do not support it,” he stated, calling on Laporta to “finally tell the truth.”

Vilajoana went further, defending Messi’s connection to Barcelona: “Messi should be left alone. The club is his home regardless of who is president. It would be a mistake to pin the blame on such an iconic figure.” He also criticized Laporta’s cuts to La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy, which saw its budget cut from €40 million to €25 million since 2021, arguing this undermines the club’s most important long-term asset.

Transparency and Renewal: Vilajoana’s Vision for Barcelona

Despite the damning contents of the report, Vilajoana’s message is ultimately one of hope and renewal. He announced plans to formally launch his presidential campaign on November 27, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and renewed focus on youth development. “If I run, it will be to propose, explain, and persuade,” he explained, distancing himself from “Frankenstein” projects and instead calling for a fresh, honest approach to leadership.

Vilajoana remains optimistic about Barcelona’s future—if the club is willing to confront its problems head-on. “Barca has a solution, but it requires will and responsibility. What we cannot do is pretend everything is fantastic for four years,” he concluded.

Opinion: Transparency Is Now Essential for Barcelona’s Recovery

The ongoing Barcelona debt controversy and doubts over Messi’s exit highlight a crisis of transparency at the club. With the presidential election looming and supporters demanding truth and accountability, Laporta’s administration faces a critical decision: clarify the real financial picture or risk losing the trust of members and fans alike. The next chapter of Barcelona’s history depends not just on the numbers, but on honest leadership and a renewed commitment to the club’s true values.

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