"In a major development, ABC reports that Lionel Messi has made it clear that he is determined to take part in next year's FC Barcelona presidential elections in some capacity. While he will not contest for the presidency himself, the former Barça captain is considering throwing his weight behind one of the candidates, so as to oust incumbent Joan Laporta. However, the Inter Miami forward is not willing to back just any candidate. He will only step in if he sees a realistic chance of success."
"Four and a half years ago, the Argentine publicly supported Laporta, even going to vote in person with his son Thiago. This time, however, the situation appears entirely different. Messi could play a decisive role in preventing the current president's return to the office. As per the report, Messi has not forgotten how he was forced to leave Barcelona. In fact, one of Laporta's main electoral promises in 2021 was the renewal of the Argentine's contract, which was already agreed and pending signature."
Lionel Messi plans to involve himself in FC Barcelona's 2026 presidential elections without standing for president. He is prepared to publicly back a candidate only if that candidate presents a realistic and competitive chance of defeating incumbent Joan Laporta. Messi's relationship with Laporta remains broken after contract renewal efforts collapsed amid the club's financial constraints, a turn of events Messi and his family viewed as betrayal. Several Barcelona-connected figures have gauged Messi's willingness to intervene, and Messi could wait until the campaign's final days to exert decisive influence. The election window is expected between 15 March and 15 June 2026.
Read at Barca Universal
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