Remember when Messi left Barcelona in tears back in 2021? Well, he might get a second chance to say goodbye properly. Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has made a big promise - if he wins the upcoming elections, he'll bring Messi back to Camp Nou.
Font isn't talking about a full comeback. He wants to give Messi what he deserves - a proper farewell in front of the fans. The kind of send-off that the greatest player in Barca's history should have gotten in the first place.
Let's be real - Messi's 2021 exit was heartbreaking. The club was broke and couldn't afford his contract. So off he went to PSG, then to Inter Miami in MLS. Not exactly the ending anyone imagined for a player who gave everything to Barcelona.
Font Takes Aim at Current President
Font didn't hold back when speaking to AS. He says Messi's relationship with Barcelona can't be fixed while Joan Laporta is president. "If we win the elections, Messi's last dance is possible," Font declared.
According to Font, Messi was "deceived" not once but twice. First in 2021 when he showed up to renew his contract but had to leave instead. Then again in 2023 when he wanted to return under Xavi Hernandez, but the board shut the door on him.
Font painted Messi as more than just a football genius. He called him hardworking, committed, and honest - a true role model who represents everything Barcelona stands for. "Messi cannot end his time with Barca with a farewell in a closed room," Font said. "He must retire on the pitch."
What This Means for Barcelona's Future
The elections are happening fast. Voting wraps up on March 15, and Font is going all-in on the Messi card. He's even offering Messi the role of Honorary President of the club after he hangs up his boots.
Of course, everything depends on what Messi wants and his situation at the end of 2026. He's currently playing in Miami, and at 37 years old, retirement isn't far off. But the idea of seeing Messi in a Barcelona shirt one last time? That's enough to get any fan's heart racing.
For bettors watching Barcelona's season, Font's election could shake things up. A Messi return, even briefly, would boost morale, ticket sales, and global attention. It might not change La Liga odds immediately, but the psychological impact on the squad could be significant.
Laporta, the current president who's been in charge since 2021 (and previously from 2003 to 2010), isn't going down without a fight. He's considered one of Barcelona's most successful presidents ever. But Font's Messi promise might be the emotional trump card that wins over nostalgic fans.
Will we see Messi back at Camp Nou? It's a long shot, but stranger things have happened in football. One thing's for sure - this election just got a whole lot more interesting.
