Messi wants to be involved in Barcelona presidential elections to oust Laporta after ‘betrayal’ in 2021 – report | OneFootball

In a major development, ABC reports that Lionel Messi has made it clear that he is determined to take part in next year’s FC Barcelona presidential elections in some capacity.

While he will not contest for the presidency himself, the former Barça captain is considering throwing his weight behind one of the candidates, so as to oust incumbent Joan Laporta.

However, the Inter Miami forward is not willing to back just any candidate. He will only step in if he sees a realistic chance of success.

Laporta vs Messi in 2026?

The 2026 elections at Barcelona are expected to take place between 15 March and 15 June. Laporta has already confirmed that he will run for re-election. However, he now faces an unexpected rival in Messi.

Four and a half years ago, the Argentine publicly supported Laporta, even going to vote in person with his son Thiago. This time, however, the situation appears entirely different. Messi could play a decisive role in preventing the current president’s return to the office.

As per the report, Messi has not forgotten how he was forced to leave Barcelona. In fact, one of Laporta’s main electoral promises in 2021 was the renewal of the Argentine’s contract, which was already agreed and pending signature.

Later, the club’s financial problems prevented the renewal, and Laporta’s reversal was seen by Messi and his family as an act of betrayal. As such, their relationship is broken completely.

Messi could get involved in Barcelona elections. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

According to the report, several figures connected to Barcelona have reached out to gauge Messi’s willingness to involve himself in the upcoming elections. His response has been that he does not rule it out, but he has made it clear that Laporta will not be the chosen candidate.

Moreover, he is not opposed to making his stance public if he finds a credible and competitive campaign with a genuine chance of victory.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could become a decisive factor, potentially waiting until the final days of the campaign to influence the result at a strategic moment.

However, he has also made it clear that he will not support just anyone. Any move he makes will be carefully calculated, and only if he believes it can lead to victory.

Who are the other candidates?

Among those preparing to run for the Barcelona presidency, aside from Laporta, is Victor Font, the runner-up in the last election. It remains unclear whether he will present an individual project or a united front of opposition groups.

Joan Camprubí Montal, whose grandfather and great-grandfather both served as Barcelona presidents, has also confirmed his intention to run.

Other prominent figures with strong club ties, such as former director Xavi Vilajoana and economist Marc Ciria, are also expected to participate, though it remains to be seen whether they will lead their own projects or join another campaign.