FC Barcelona have a sporting project to focus on, but behind the scenes, something bigger is looming. Next year, the presidential elections for the next tenure are set to be held, with Victor Font among the candidates to rival Joan Laporta.
Font held his presentation of ‘Nosaltres Barca’, which saw attendance from high-profile figures like Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona manager was seen at a media event surrounding the club, one of the first times he has been in such a setting since his sacking.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Font spoke about a number of topics, and he said Lionel Messi would be the first person he would call if he won the elections. Asked if he was thinking of a last dance for the Argentinian maestro, he said:
“Personally, as a Barça fan, it would give me goosebumps. But it depends on him, and we must not use him. Laporta has done that many times, most notably during the elections — another unfulfilled promise. Messi must not be used, but he must know that the first phone call I make after winning the elections will be to him.”
One of the major reasons Joan Laporta emerged as a favourite in 2021 to win the elections was his revelation that he could convince Lionel Messi to stay at the club at a time when Messi had asked to leave.
However, despite the Argentinian’s willingness to remain at the club, Laporta decided that it was not in the club’s best interests to offer him a new contract. This remains one of the sour points of his tenure as Barcelona president.
While Victor Font is not necessarily promising anything, the ship has sailed on a potential return for Messi in Blaugrana colours, at least in a playing capacity. Let us hope the presidents do not use him as a chip in their campaigns.