Lionel Messi has repeatedly spoken about returning to Barcelona one day as one of his biggest personal goals, and after his abrupt departure in 2021, Blaugrana fans never had the chance to properly say goodbye to the club’s greatest legend. Now that the presidential elections are approaching Barcelona, Johannes Laporta has now outlined its plans for the Argentinian icon.
Laporta submitted his resignation as Barcelona president on February 9, a step taken so he could formally run for re-election. The vote for the Spanish giants’ next president is scheduled for March 15, and with the campaign underway, Messi’s name has once again become a major talking point in the city.
During a campaign presentation in Girona, Laporta answered questions from club members and supporters. In addition to questions about the pillars of its platform, the candidate was asked what he would do regarding Messi if re-electedand he repeated his familiar position.
“Like (Ladislaus) Kubala and (Johan) Cruyff, I think Messi deserves a statue, and we should also arrange a tribute match that we can organize whenever they want—something that would be nice to see for everything he has given Barça, and I also want to say that Barça has given him a lot,he said, once again raising the idea of honoring the Argentine legend.
Lionel Messi played for Barcelona between 2004 and 2021.
Although Laporta acknowledged that his relationship with Messi cooled after the departure, he expressed hope that a reunion could eventually take place. “I think the statue and tribute are what he deserves. He has a current contract where he is now and it runs until 2028. I think that would be ideal.he added, effectively ruling out a return as a player any time soon.
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Messi, a focal point in the Barcelona elections
Laporta became the figure to lead Barcelona out of crisis after the Josep Maria Bartomeu era in 2021, when the club was in serious financial trouble that has still not been fully resolved. These economic problems eventually led to Messi’s departure, despite their previously close relationshipand they also prevented a comeback when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in 2023.
Speak with La2Cat in December 2025, Laporta admitted that he still regrets not being able to keep Messi at the club. “It’s an issue that makes me sad. Leo has given a lot to Barça and Barça to Leo. I hope we meet again,he said, emphasizing that he did not regret his decision because “above all else is the attitude.”
Yet rival candidates have sought to take advantage of Laporta’s strained relationship with Messi by putting Argentina at the center of their own campaigns. One of the most vocal was Víctor Fontwho criticized Laporta for the broken tie, while also questioning his perceived affiliation with Real Madrid, something he’unforgivable.”
During a public appearance at the end of January, Font outlined one of his proposals regarding Messi: “If I win, I will be the first to call Leo Messi. I have a way to reach him, directly or indirectly. Rebuilding bridges with the absolute legends of this club is an absolute priority. Messi is our history. We will explain our plan to him once we win the elections. He should get the role he deserves.“
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