Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font: “When I win, the first thing I’ll do is call Messi” | OneFootball

Barcelona’s presidential race has already taken a dramatic turn after candidate Victor Font made a bold and emotional promise that if he wins the election, his very first act as president will be to call Lionel Messi in an attempt to bring him back. 

With the campaign now officially underway, Font has wasted no time in setting the tone for what he hopes will be a new era for Barcelona.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he made his intentions clear from the outset, explaining the first step of his project with absolute conviction. 

He stated, “The first thing I’ll do is call Leo Messi”, and added that the decision would then rest with the legendary number 10, who may yet choose to retire wearing the Barcelona shirt.

Changes he would make at Barcelona

Font was also asked what he believes must change at the club, and he did not hesitate to offer a detailed critique. 

He began by pointing to the organisational structure, saying, “Basically, the way the club is run. As I said, I think the model is very personalistic, with a lot of improvisation. 

“The latest relevant example was with the stadium, which, thank God, we will forget about because we will be going there on Saturday. But it is a very clear example of improvisation.” 

He then expanded on the issues he sees, adding that reliance on personal loyalty instead of talent, the inability to plan properly, broken relationships, and conflicts with club legends have all held the club back. 

“In other words, Barça and the history of Barça are its legends. You have Messi, Xavi, Saras, Barrufet, Víctor Tomás, and so on, because they don’t think like you outside the club and are at odds with the club. 

“I think that makes no sense, right?”

What about a new forward?

When the conversation shifted to future signings and the looming question of replacing Robert Lewandowski, Font expressed admiration for two of the most sought-after forwards in world football.

 “I think I agree with the vast majority of Barcelona fans that players like Haaland and Julian Alvarez have everyone excited, right?” he said. 

Victor Font has made some extravagant promises. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

However, he stressed that these decisions must be guided by a strong sporting structure, not impulsiveness, while also highlighting the promise shown by the club’s recent young additions.

Asked whether his good relationship with Manchester City could make Erling Haaland a more realistic option, Font emphasised the importance of collective work rather than one man’s influence. 

“We have to work on all avenues. It’s another of the big differences between the ‘me’ model and the ‘us’ model. 

“In the ‘me’ model, you depend a lot on one person… In the ‘us’ model, we can leverage many of the capabilities that exist in Barcelona.”

On Lionel Messi

The interview naturally circled back to Messi, and Font made it clear that the Argentine’s presence should remain central to the club’s identity. 

“We have to embrace Leo Messi and do everything possible to ensure that, as soon as possible, Leo Messi has the role at Barça that, as he said last week, he wants to have and that all Barça fans would love to see. 

“A statue is not enough.”

He then admitted the emotional pull of a potential “last dance” for Messi, saying, 

“Personally, as a Barça fan, it gives me goosebumps… The first phone call I make will be to Leo Messi.” 

Font concluded the interview by clarifying the current situation, stating 

“Our obligation is to talk to everyone who can make contributions in the future… But as I said, the first call I will make when we win the election will be to Leo Messi.”