In a surprising and unexpected turn of events, Argentine star Lionel Messi has reappeared in the spotlight, but this time not on the pitch. Instead, he is involved in Barcelona’s presidential elections. According to a report from the Spanish newspaper ABC, Messi has announced his serious intention to run in the next Barcelona elections in 2026, positioning himself as one of the most prominent figures vying for control of the Catalan club’s future.
Disappointment at Barcelona: Messi and the Economic Curse
Related topics
The decision made by the Barcelona legend comes after years of silence. Messi, regarded as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, has never been far removed from major events at Barcelona. However, in the summer of 2021, the unexpected happened when club president Joan Laporta’s promise to renew Messi’s contract was rejected at the last minute, prompting the Argentine to leave for Paris Saint-Germain in a surprising move that shocked Barça fans worldwide.
Messi believes Laporta betrayed his trust at that crucial moment. The economic crisis facing Barcelona, which was used as a pretext to backtrack on his contract renewal, was the final blow that stripped him of the chance to remain at the heart of the club where he had spent most of his career. That moment marked a turning point for Messi, shaping his current feelings towards Laporta and his management team.
The Opposition Within the Club Mobilizes in Preparation for the Elections
Given the pressing situation and internal tensions at Barcelona due to inconsistent results and financial challenges, the opposition within the club has begun actively mobilizing in preparation for the upcoming elections. Various movements and factions within the club are working to form a united front against Laporta. These groups are seeking to win Messi over to their side, as he is one of the club’s greatest players and an icon, believing that his support could garner significant public backing that could drastically alter the outcome of the elections.
Messi’s influence is not limited to the pitch; it extends to the boardroom and the club’s politics. If the Argentine star decides to seriously engage in the upcoming elections, his involvement will undoubtedly shift the balance of power within Barcelona. By virtue of his stature and illustrious history with the club, Messi has become a symbolic force with immense public influence.
Messi Will Only Support a Candidate with a Genuine Chance of Winning
One element that makes Messi’s involvement in these elections particularly intriguing is his clear condition: “I will only support a candidate if they have a genuine chance of winning.” This stance reflects the Argentine player’s cautious approach to his choices, as he doesn’t want to be seen as supporting any individual or group that lacks the ability to challenge Laporta in a critical election.
For Messi, it’s not simply a matter of emotional or symbolic support. If he decides to oppose Laporta, he will need genuine support from the candidate attempting to challenge the current president, and this candidate must be able to offer practical solutions to the challenges facing the club, particularly regarding finances and sporting performance.
Will the 2026 Elections Mark the End of Laporta’s Era?
Given the strained relationship between Messi and Laporta, the near future could witness radical changes in Barcelona’s leadership. Messi’s involvement in the elections would completely shift the balance of power within the club and pose a real threat to Laporta’s reign, which began years ago. Should Messi decide to support a candidate against Laporta, the fans could vote overwhelmingly for that alternative, potentially bringing an end to the current president’s rule and leading to fundamental changes in the club’s management structure.
But the most intriguing question remains: Will Messi be the player who leads a revolution within the club against his former president, or will he remain in the shadows, fueling tensions between the different factions within Barcelona?
What is certain is that the upcoming elections will mark a new chapter in Barcelona’s history, and Messi will not only be a fan icon but also a decisive factor in determining the club’s direction in the coming years.
