Former Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has hit out at Joan Laporta, suggesting his rival had failed Argentina's World Cup winning captain Lionel Messi and has stunted the club's growth through controversial economic levers.
Laporta claimed last week that he would 'love' Messi to return to the Nou Camp, but played down the chances of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner rejoining due to his contract with PSG.
It has only been 16 months since Messi left Barcelona with the club unable to renew his contract due to their dire financial situation.
Speculation has persisted around a potential return, despite the club's weak financial position and Messi giving his verbal consent to a contract extension at PSG after his World Cup heroics.
Font has taken aim at his former rival Laporta, telling Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia that the club has 'not lived up to the historical level of Messi'.
'Hopefully we will be able to take perspective, and make a proper analysis of everything,' Font said.
'And may the conclusions help us understand that, also in the world of emotions, good will, barbecue and determination are not enough to face the complex challenges and new opportunities that arise in the world of football and sports.
'In this case, the most important thing in any life project has been missing: vision, good planning and talent.'
Font suggested keeping Messi would have generated more money for the club than the forward would have cost, claiming his World Cup success would have added further value.
Laporta, who beat Font and Toni Freixa in the three-way contest to become Barcelona President for the second time last year, received further criticism for his use of 'economic levers'.
'The so-called levers have been closed without a plan, quickly and running, and they do not help the club's assets grow,' Font said.
Barca had raised £750m in the summer by leasing 25 per cent of future TV rights over the next 25 years to investment fund Sixth Street and selling 49 per cent of Barça Studios, the club's in-house film production operation.
The club have been warned to reduce their wage bill ahead of the start of next season or face further punishment from LaLiga.