Marc Ciria, a candidate for the presidency of Barcelona, has pledged to do everything in his power to bring Lionel Messi back to the club if he wins next year’s election.
The current president, Joan Laporta, will complete his term in 2026, and Ciria has made his candidacy official, announcing he will run against Laporta during elections slated for between March and June.
Although Messi left Barça in 2021, he has recently helped Inter Miami clinch their first MLS Cup and is expected to play a significant role, albeit indirectly, in the unfolding campaign.
“We want our legends to come back openly, not in secrecy,” Ciria stated at the launch of his campaign on Tuesday, referencing Messi’s surprise visit to Spotify Camp Nou last month.
“We will do everything we can to make this happen. [Messi] is a crucial figure for this club. His return must come with a solid support system and good infrastructure.”
“The relationship between Messi and Barça needs to resemble the Michael Jordan-Nike partnership, extending beyond commercial interests to encompass the entire club’s ecosystem, including our sponsors and the development of talent at La Masia.”
“Having the greatest player in our history can open up so many opportunities and revenue streams. Bringing him back is vital for overcoming our current financial challenges.”
At 38, Messi has recently signed an extension with Inter Miami that will keep him with the MLS club until the end of the 2028 season, making a return to Barça—where he holds records for both goals and appearances—seem unlikely.
Nevertheless, there is an ongoing desire to see him return in some capacity given his monumental impact on the club.
Another presidential hopeful, Victor Font, who was a runner-up to Laporta in 2021, stated recently that his “first call” if elected will be to Messi.
Meanwhile, Laporta’s relationship with Messi has been strained since the Argentine’s exit in 2021, triggered by the club’s inability to complete a contract renewal they had agreed upon.
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In a bid to mend the rift, Laporta recently announced plans to erect a statue of Messi at Camp Nou as a tribute to the legendary player, who did not receive an appropriate farewell due to the pandemic.
“It’s not just about enticing him with a statue or a tribute match,” Ciria added. “It’s about reaching an agreement that positions the best athlete on the planet as Barça’s greatest ambassador.”
Messi’s unexpected appearance at Camp Nou in November was accompanied by a social media message expressing his hope of returning, stating: “I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never really got the chance…”