Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart says Lionel Messi's legend will never be tainted by last year's departure for PSG.

Gaspart used Messi's example as a chance to take aim at Luis Figo over his move to Real Madrid over 20 years ago.

He said, "Messi is the best player in the world, and his departure affected him negatively, but he left in a professional way unlike Luis Figo.

"Messi's departure had a greater negative impact than Figo's departure from Barcelona.

"Lionel Messi left the team due to special circumstances, he understood the matter and moved to Paris Saint-Germain."

The former president also reviewed his time in charge.

"My time in Barcelona was a special period, everyone worked hard inside to win the Champions League. I love Barcelona and I'm a fan before being president, that's why my strong statements were always in defense of Barcelona and its rights."