Jorge Valdano blames president Joan Laporta for Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona.
Former Real Madrid and Argentina player Valdano, one of the most respected pundits on Spanish football, also held Laporta responsible for the shock departure of the six-times Ballon d'Or winner.
"A player that was a total and absolute reference is leaving and that has sporting and economic consequences," Valdano said on Onda Cero radio station.
"This is a huge blow to Laporta.
"The situation which was set to benefit him the most has been converted into his greatest failure."
