Messi Eyes Role in Barcelona’s 2026 Presidential Election
Reports from Spanish media outlets indicate that Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star and Barcelona legend, intends to play a role in the upcoming presidential elections at FC Barcelona, scheduled for 2026. The sources suggest that Messi’s objective is to oust the current president, Joan Laporta.
A Shift in Alliances
Although Messi is not planning to run for president himself, he is reportedly prepared to back a rival candidate, provided they have a realistic chance of winning. This potential move represents a significant change in the relationship between the Argentinian star and Laporta’s administration. The tension between the two stems from Messi’s unexpected departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. Laporta reneged on his promises to renew the legendary captain’s contract, citing the club’s financial crisis at the time.
The Source of the Rift
This decision left a deep wound for Messi and his family, who viewed it as a personal betrayal after a series of unfulfilled promises. According to the Spanish newspaper ABC, Messi has informed those close to him of his desire to influence the elections, which are slated to take place between March 15 and June 15, 2026. He may choose to support a specific candidate or publicly announce his position at a crucial moment during the campaign.
Potential Candidates
Among the potential candidates to challenge Laporta are Victor Font, who was the runner-up in the 2021 elections, and Joan Camprubi Montal, the grandson of a former club president, alongside other figures such as Xavi Vilajoana and Marc Ciria. Messi had previously supported Laporta in the 2021 elections and even voted in person with his son, Thiago. However, the situation appears different this time, as he could transform from a former ally into a formidable political opponent, capable of tipping the scales in favor of his chosen candidate.
The report confirms that Messi does not rule out publicly announcing his stance if he finds a serious and winnable campaign, which would make his potential intervention a decisive factor in determining the future of Barcelona’s presidency in 2026. This potential move shows the depth of the strained relationship between Messi and Laporta, stemming from broken promises regarding the renewal of Messi’s contract.
Source: Annahar
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