How Messi holds the ‘nuclear button’ that could decide Barcelona presidential elections – report | OneFootball

We are only a few days away from the Barcelona presidential election, which is expected to be close, even though Joan Laporta remains the clear favourite.

His rival Victor Font has done everything he could to woo voters against Laporta, even comparing the former Barcelona president to Donald Trump recently.

However, as the election nears, Font does have one last glimmer of hope, in the form of Lionel Messi

Font waiting for Messi to press the button

According to Javi Miguel, Font is waiting for a last-minute support from Lionel Messi, who is known to hold resentment against Joan Laporta due to his sudden exit in 2021.

Messi is a key figure in Barcelona, and his opinion could sway the majority of votes. Given that he is not a fan of Laporta, Font is the obvious pick for the Argentine.

However, Messi has not shown any indication of wanting to meddle in the Barcelona election or wanting a change in leadership.

Equating his decision to meddle in the election to a ‘nuclear button’, Miguel suggests that Font is waiting for the Argentine to make a move.

Will Messi appear as a last-minute saviour for Font? (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

Even if Messi does not offer complete support or endorsement for Font, simply a gesture or a hint might be enough to completely turn the election against Laporta.

After all, there has been a lot said about how the former president blocked the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s return in 2023 – something that has been denied by Laporta.

Even a small hint from the Argentine that what Xavi Hernandez revealed was true could end up influencing the outcome of the upcoming elections in a huge way.

Laporta himself is aware that any move from Messi could practically kill his hopes of being re-elected as the Barcelona president, even though he continues to stand by his decision.

However, if the Argentine decides not to press the nuclear button, Font’s second attempt at becoming the Barcelona president could fail.

The coming few days, therefore, could be critical. While Messi has shown no indication, Miguel suggests nothing can be ruled out.