Víctor Font has urged Lionel Messi to “reveal the truth” about his unsuccessful attempt to return to Barcelona, as the forward for Inter Miami CF becomes increasingly influential in the club’s presidential race.
Barcelona members, known as socis, will cast their votes on Sunday to select the next president of the Spanish champions, with Font competing against current president Joan Laporta.
The lead-up to the election has been heavily focused on Messi since former Barça manager Xavi Hernández accused Laporta of obstructing Messi’s return in 2023 out of fear of a power struggle.
“I doubt Messi will say anything before Sunday, but I hope he does,” Font remarked during an event on Tuesday.
“I hope he shares the truth to ensure the socis don’t head to the polls misled by Laporta and dazzled by the false hope created by Hansi Flick and the young talents.”
In a Monday interview, Xavi stated there had been a deal with Messi three years ago when he was considering leaving Paris Saint-Germain, mentioning that LaLiga had approved the financial aspects of the arrangement, which aligns with Laporta’s comments at that time.
However, Xavi claimed that Laporta, worried about a possible “war” with the player, who left suddenly in 2021, halted the negotiations.
Laporta countered that Xavi’s account is incorrect, asserting that it was Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, who declined the deal, explaining that Messi preferred a move to Inter Miami to avoid the intense scrutiny he would face in Barcelona.
After calling Laporta a liar, Xavi suggested that Messi shares his sentiments regarding the Barça president, although he refrained from speaking on Messi’s behalf.
On Monday, Laporta stated he is “not afraid” of what Messi or his father may say leading up to Sunday’s election.
In the past, Laporta has acknowledged that his relationship with Messi soured following the player’s exit in 2021, when Laporta campaigned on the promise of keeping Messi at the club.
Font has leveraged this during his campaign, emphasizing the need to bring Messi back and proposing an immediate role for him if he wins the election.
“I would reach out to Lionel Messi on Monday,” he told Jijantes when asked about his post-election plans.
“I would explain our vision. We would communicate that Barça should never have severed ties with the greatest player ever. Thousands of socis are still mourning this breakup and are eager for reconciliation.”
“Firstly, on an institutional level, we would offer him the position of honorary president if approved by the assembly. Secondly, there’s the financial aspect; we are losing millions by not having a connection with him.”
“Finally, how does he prefer to be honored? That’s for him to decide.”
Additionally, on Tuesday, Barcelona obtained an occupancy license to open more sections of the Nou Camp, expanding the stadium’s capacity from 45,401 to 62,652.
The club announced on Tuesday afternoon that they received the green light from the Barcelona City Council for Phase 1C of the stadium’s redevelopment.
This license allows the opening of the North Goal (Gol Nord) stand, along with several new VIP and hospitality areas located between the first and second tiers.