The Argentina international has been drawn into the battle as the club’s 15 March elections draw closer
It is no surprise to hear Lionel Messi’s name spoken around Barcelona, but one of the best players of all time and undoubtedly the best in the club’s history has unexpectedly become a central figure in its presidential election campaign this year.
Barcelona members, known as socis, will vote on Sunday, 15 March to decide the club’s next president. Incumbent Joan Laporta is seeking re-election, with Victor Font, a long-time rival, challenging him in what has become an increasingly heated contest.
Over the past week a war of words ensued between Laporta and former Barcelona player and coach, Xavi. The subject of debate – and unquestionably part of the election propaganda – is the collapse of Messi’s proposed return to the club in 2023.
Xavi claimed that Messi’s potential comeback three years ago was impeded by Laporta. According to the club legend, a deal had been agreed for Messi to return to Spain from Paris Saint-Germain, with La Liga even approving the general structure of the move.
However, Xavi alleged that Laporta ultimately abandoned the plan, fearing a power struggle with the club’s most iconic player after having overseen his departure in 2021. Laporta hit back on Monday, slamming Xavi for his apparently poor performance as coach and then criticising him for being “used” by Font for campaigning.
Fasten your seatbelts, the Champions League is on its way. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/P7ae1dffNv
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 9, 2026
The incumbent president denied blocking Messi’s return in order to maintain power, but Font has responded by saying that Messi himself could settle the dispute and is hoping the Inter Miami forward chooses to clarify what happened before voters head to the polls.
“I don’t think Messi will say anything between now and Sunday, but I hope he does,” Font said on Tuesday. “I hope he tells the truth so that the socis don’t go to the polls misled by Laporta and blinded by the smoke screen of hope generated by Hansi Flick and the young players.”
Laporta’s version of events is that it was Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, who ultimately stepped away from negotiations, saying that the Argentine preferred a move to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami rather than returning to the febrile environment at Camp Nou.
He has also dismissed the idea that Messi’s intervention could influence the election outcome, saying on Monday that he was “not afraid” of either the player or his father making a public statement before the election.
Font has made Messi one of the key points of his campaign ahead of the votes.
“I would call Lionel Messi on Monday [if he wins the election on Sunday],” said Font. “I would explain the plan we have. We will tell him that Barca should never have broken the relationship with the best player ever. There are thousands of socis still hurting and wanting a reconciliation.
“Firstly, on an institutional level, we would offer him the chance to be the club’s honorary president, if passed by the assembly. Secondly, money, money, money. We are losing millions by not having a relationship with him.
“Thirdly, what’s the best send off for him? He can decide that.”
