Lionel Messi backed out of FC Barcelona rumors after the presidential candidate claimed a bold return

Lionel Messi‘s connection with FC Barcelona goes beyond any typical club relationship, as the star himself has previously acknowledged his desire to return to the city and possibly the club. After the initial wave of speculation subsided, rumors have flared up again following a bold claim from a Barcelona presidential candidate about the Argentine legend’s return.

Under the presidency of Joan Laporta, the name Messi has continued to serve as a powerful symbol capable of raising fans’ expectations and influencing the balance between potential candidates. This time it was Marc Ciria who discussed the possibility of Messi’s return while officially announcing his candidacy for leadership Barcelona.

At an event to launch his presidential bid, Ciria made a direct statement about bringing Messi back to the club: “We want our legends to be able to come back to the club and not have to do it in the middle of the night and hidden away. We will do everything we can to achieve this. He is an indispensable figure for this club. He needs to come back with a solid support system and good structure.“

Just like fellow candidate Victor fontCiria emphasized the importance of Messi not only from a sporting perspective, but also from a business point of view. “The relationship between Messi and Barça should resemble that between Michael Jordan and Nike. It must go beyond the commercial and institutional aspects of the club, to the sponsors and player development at La Masia.”, he added.

“With the best player in the club’s history we can do so many things and earn so much money. Bringing him home is essential if we want to get out of the financial situation we are in,Ciria concluded. Whether Messi will play a role in the electoral process remains unclear, but the reality is that his name has once again become a central topic and a potential asset for candidates seeking voter support.

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When will the elections take place in Barcelona?

More than four years have passed since the emotional day Messi announced his departure from Barcelona, ​​a defining moment in modern football history. Since then, his relationship with President Joan Laporta seems tense, which is especially highlighted by Messi’s unexpected visit to Camp Nou without prior coordination with the club’s board.

Laporta’s current term as Barcelona president ends in 2026, with elections scheduled between March and June of that year. Although Laporta is expected to seek re-election and is currently considered the favorite, he will face competition from several challengers, including Víctor Font, Joan Camprubí Montal, Xavi Vilajoana and now Marc Ciria.