Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique’s relationship has not been quite the same since Messi’s exit from FC Barcelona in 2021. Although Messi and Pique used to share a close relationship together, knowing each other from their time at Barca’s youth team, their relationship is cold and distant now. Apparently, not only Shakira but also Messi considers Pique to be a “traitor.”
Gerard Pique’s name got besmirched last year after it was found that he cheated on his ex-girlfriend, Shakira. Many fans turned on Pique after the news of his infidelity became public. However, the latest revelation about Pique will anger some more fans too. According to Joan Fontes, Lionel Messi believes that Pique played a big role in his exit from the club back in 2021.
🚨 The return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona is more likely after the departure of Gerard Pique!
The Catalan defender was considered a traitor by the Argentinian.
(Source: @JoanFontes ) pic.twitter.com/1ZA5zCcFuP
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 17, 2023
Messi’s exit from Barcelona was one of the most controversial incidents in the history of the club. It was reported that Messi and Barca had come to an agreement and the new contract would be signed soon. However, rather shockingly, Barca stated that Messi wouldn’t continue anymore at the club due to their financial woes. This led to Messi’s entourage blaming Pique for Messi’s forced exit from the club.
Even MARCA reported that Pique had allegedly advised Barca to get rid of Messi to settle the issue of Financial Fair Play. All these reports point to an apparent rift between the former Barcelona teammates. However, it is important to note that Joan Fontes isn’t considered to be a highly credible source.
Did Gerard Pique congratulate Lionel Messi after the World Cup?
During an interview last month, Pique admitted that he is yet to congratulate Lionel Messi after Argentina’s historic World Cup win last year. Pique revealed that he has disconnected from soccer ever since his retirement last year. However, the former Barcelona defender did praise Messi’s World Cup 2022 campaign. Pique praised the PSG star, saying “He is the best player in the world and he showed it in the World Cup.“
Most recently, Pique talked about the possibility of Messi’s rumored return to Barcelona during an interview with RAC 1. When asked about Messi’s future, Pique replied, “His future is known only to him. It was his dream to win the World Cup, there is no doubt that it is the best in history. Everyone is convinced. What you decide is already about your personal, your personal motivation.“
Gerard Pique to @rac1 :
“Messi won the World Cup which is the great dream he had, he won it and now no one can doubt that he is the best in history. Return to Barca? We know what Messi gave us and his return will be full of feelings for us. “ pic.twitter.com/PzpI1DJ81J
— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) March 14, 2023
The former Spanish international continued, “You can stay in Europe. If he says he has enough, he goes to the MLS. That he returned, on a sentimental level, would be a beast for all culés. But it’s a 100 percent decision of yours.” As per reports, Pique’s absence from the club has increased the chances of Messi’s probable return to Barcelona. However, to date, neither Messi nor Pique has ever talked about their alleged estranged relationship.
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