Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has denied that he was the one responsible for leaking Lionel Messi's Barcelona contract.
The Argentine's pay details were leaked to El Mundo over the weekend, which caused something of a stir around the Camp Nou, as only a very select number of people could have been responsible for the leak.
"It's a very serious issue and it's totally illegal to leak professional contracts," Bartomeu told Esport3, denying his involvement.
"Speaking on TV and making accusations is easy, but it's not a joke and this will end up in court."
Continuing, the former president defended Messi's salary and its viability pre-COVID-19.
"By the way, Leo deserves what he earns," Bartomeu added. "Both for professional and commercial reasons.
"Without the pandemic, Barcelona could easily pay those figures."
Messi has already handed the situation over to his lawyers.
FemiBalogun
922
I don't even see anything bad about this issue, Messi contract and salary released to the press is not a big deal whereas he didn't work in the dark or secret Job, those who are making noise just wants to tap from Messi's glory, and if you want to blame Messi for Barca financial situation you should have a meeting with Barca board who offer the contract to Messi.
D10S_LM10
508
No body is blaming Bartomeu but these are confidential detail and only internal member can leak. Intension for leaking was clear to make Messi look bad for Financial issue.. Covid is not Messi's problem. Moreover he has already taken pay cut along with team. Bartomeu clearly said Messi earning is justified because of his professional and commercial reason. But i would love to see who person getting sued whoever has done this.
Handsome Mike
330
Barca has been a bit messy in recent times, on and off the pitch. I'm sure Messi just can't wait to leave.