Messi’s future dragged into Barcelona presidential battle | OneFootball

Election promises put the club legend back in the spotlight

Messi’s future dragged into Barcelona presidential battle

Barcelona’s presidential race has intensified after candidates used Lionel Messi’s name while making promises ahead of the March 16 vote.

Messi at the center of the election battle

The battle for the presidency of Barcelona has taken new turn, with Lionel Messi becoming major talking point in the campaign.

Current president Joan Laporta who is seeking a new term, has focused on symbolic gestures. His plans include installing statue of Messi at Camp Nou or organizing testimonial match to honor the club legend.

However rival candidate Victor Font has gone further, publicly promising to bring Messi back to Barcelona to finish his career and retire wearing the club’s shirt.

Font promises Messi’s return and farewell at Camp Nou

Speaking on Saturday, Font said Messi deserves proper farewell in front of Barcelona fans, not quiet exit behind closed doors.

He also pledged to offer Messi the role of honorary president if he wins the election on 16 March.

Font stressed that Messi’s return to first team would not happen under Laporta. He described Messi’s departure in 2021 as one of the worst moments of Laporta’s presidency saying it was unacceptable for the club’s greatest player to leave without proper goodbye.

From Barcelona to Miami

Font suggested that return to Barcelona could be possible through strategic agreement with Inter Miami though he admitted any move would depend on Messi’s personal decision and the situation at the end of 2026.

More than a player

Font described Messi as reference for Barcelona, not only as footballer but also on human level. He said the Argentine star represents the values of the club’s fans, known as culés highlighting his work ethic, honesty, leadership and deep love for Barcelona.

According to Font, Messi should retire on the pitch at Camp Nou calling it the only fitting way to say goodbye to the club’s greatest-ever player.