Barcelona president responds to "kick out Laporta" comments from Messi's brother

Joan Laporta has responded to the explosive comments made by Lionel Messi's brother, which saw him take aim at the Barcelona president's position.

Matias Messi insisted that his brother, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, will not be heading back to Barcelona anytime soon in a bizarre rant on Twitch earlier this week, Goal reports.

He also said that if the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner did ever return to Camp Nou, he would make sure to "kick out Laporta" as part of a "good cleaning" in the boardroom. However, Matias performed a U-turn on his comments after a backlash online and issued an apology on Instagram to Barcelona, who he had also claimed "no one knew about" before his brother's arrival at the club back in 2004.

Laporta addressed Matias' controversial remarks at a press conference on Thursday, telling reporters: “Lionel Messi is part of this club’s heritage. He belongs to PSG. Out of respect, I will not speak. His brother has apologized and that's it."

The Barca president added: "The words of Messi’s brother have no impact on the club's relationship with Leo."

Messi had no choice but to leave Barca in the summer of 2021 after the club were unable to finalise a pre-agreed contract extension due to a well-documented financial crisis. Laporta has insisted time and again that he acted in the best interests of the club as Barca would have been left in "financial ruin" had they not reduced their overall wage bill.

The Spanish giants are enjoying a strong domestic season under the guidance of Xavi and will be in action again in La Liga against Villarreal on Sunday away from home. Messi, meanwhile, will look to help extend PSG's lead at the top of Ligue 1 when he takes the pitch against Monaco on Saturday.