Joan Laporta received a call he wasn't expecting in the middle of August, when the transfer market is on fire. Barça President answered his interlocutor with surprise, aware that his words always carry a lot of weight. It wasn't an agent or an executive, but the most influential voice in Barça's history.
Leo Messi, from Miami, took a few free minutes to share a direct request with the Barça board. It wasn't just a simple piece of advice, but a persistent suggestion filled with trust and conviction. The Rosario native believes there's an ideal player to strengthen the attack and he made it very clear.
Laporta listened carefully, knowing that Messi rarely speaks publicly about signings, and even less so in private. However, the connection between them is still alive and the Argentine star didn't hesitate to express his vision. "You have to sign him, Barça needs him", was the phrase he repeated several times.
A recommendation that doesn't go unnoticed
The sporting leadership took note immediately, although Deco already knew this footballer's situation well. His name has come up in different transfer windows, but until now he had never been considered a priority target at Camp Nou. Messi's call, however, could radically change that scenario.
The player in question is at the peak of his competitive maturity, with experience in the top leagues and in the Champions League. His career is marked by sacrifice, a goal-scoring instinct, and versatility that fits into several attacking systems. At Barça, they believe his adaptation would be immediate and that he would offer Flick different solutions.
It's no secret that Flick needs more attacking options, especially after a demanding start to the season. The victory in Mallorca left a good impression, but it showed that the squad needs more dynamism at certain moments. That's why Messi's words have been received as an additional argument to strengthen the attack.
The contract situation, an opportunity
The context of this footballer opens an interesting window that Barça could take advantage of before the transfer window closes. His current club is going through weeks of uncertainty, with internal tensions and a coach who hasn't managed to fit him in. Despite having a valid contract, the player isn't satisfied with his role or with the team's dynamics.
This discontent could facilitate a negotiation, although the operation wouldn't be easy from a financial point of view. The owning club paid a high fee for his signing and doesn't want to let him go for free under any circumstances. But Barça believes that, with sales like Marc Casadó's or Iñaki Peña's departure, it can make room.
Those close to the footballer say he would welcome an immediate change and Camp Nou is very appealing to him.
The Messi-Barça connection returns to the scene
Laporta knows that when Messi recommends a signing, he does so from experience and locker room knowledge. That's why the Argentine's words aren't seen as a mere whim, but as an unquestionable endorsement. In addition, Barça fans always welcome any gesture that brings the Rosario native closer to the club's day-to-day with excitement.
In the coming weeks, Deco and Flick will analyze the feasibility of this operation based on confirmed departures. The German coach is open to adding a forward who can complement Lewandowski and provide rest in rotations. Messi's external pressure could speed up the process.
Finally, after so many rumors, there's no longer any mystery about the identity of the footballer recommended by Leo. It's Julián Álvarez, who isn't comfortable at Atlético de Madrid and is seriously considering his future. The Argentine forward is a close friend of Messi and could become the last big surprise of the summer.