Barcelona presidential candidate unveils giant banner featuring Lionel Messi ahead of elections | OneFootball

Even though Lionel Messi is not actively participating or even voting in the ongoing Barcelona elections, his name has been a key talking point among the candidates.

While Messi’s name has only been used in speeches so far, one of the presidential candidates, Marc Ciria, has also dragged his face into the spotlight thanks to a bold campaign.

The leader of the ‘Moviment 42’ pre-candidacy surprised the city on Wednesday morning by deploying a massive banner of the Argentine legend.

The canvas features the iconic image of Messi holding up his shirt to the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.

The story behind the Messi banner

As reported by SPORT, the banner of Messi carries the message, “Looking forward to seeing you again.”

This slogan serves as a direct reference to the famous banner Joan Laporta placed near the Real Madrid stadium during his successful 2021 campaign.

Additionally, the installation includes a QR code that allows Barcelona fans to send personalised video messages of support and affection directly to the club’s greatest-ever player.

Ciria has never hidden his desire to integrate Messi into his future project if he wins the upcoming elections.

He views the Argentine as an essential figure for reversing the club’s economic situation and has not ruled out a sporting “last dance” if the sporting directors approve.

For many fans, the wound of Messi’s departure remains unhealed, especially since Laporta’s previous election victory was heavily based on the unfulfilled promise of his renewal.

Despite the immense expectation generated ahead of the inauguration of Ciria’s electoral headquarters this afternoon, a direct response from the player is highly unlikely.

The report adds that this giant tribute was a completely unilateral initiative carried out by the pre-candidate’s team. Messi and his close entourage have chosen not to participate in any campaign.