Barca Presidential Candidate Aims To Bring Messi Back To Camp Nou

Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has pledged to do everything within his power to bring Lionel Messi back to the club if he succeeds in next year’s elections.

Current president Joan Laporta’s mandate ends in 2026, and Ciria officially announced this week his intention to run against him when elections take place sometime between March and June.

Despite leaving the club in 2021, Messi, who recently led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup, is likely to play a significant role in the campaign over the coming months.

“We want our legends to be able to return to the club without having to do so in secrecy,” Ciria stated at an event launching his candidacy on Tuesday, referencing Messi’s unexpected visit to Spotify Camp Nou last month.

“We will do everything possible to achieve this. [Messi] is an indispensable figure for this club. He must return with a solid support system and a robust structure in place.

“The relationship between Messi and Barça should mirror that of Michael Jordan and Nike. It must extend beyond the commercial and institutional realms of the club to include sponsors and the development of players at La Masia.

“With the best player in the club’s history, we can achieve so much and generate substantial revenue. Bringing him back is crucial if we want to overcome our current financial challenges.”