Messi’s Barcelona Return? Presidential Candidate Victor Font Makes Bold Promise

Lionel Messi could be heading back to FC Barcelona, if presidential candidate Victor Font has his way. Font has publicly committed to engineering a return for the Argentine icon should he defeat current president Joan Laporta in the club’s upcoming elections, with voting scheduled for March 15. His goal is simple: give Messi the farewell he truly deserves.

Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 remains one of football’s most heartbreaking moments. The club’s financial crisis forced them to let their greatest-ever player leave in tears, despite his desire to stay. He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami CF in MLS. A planned return in 2023 under coach Xavi Hernandez also collapsed, leaving fans frustrated and the player deeply disappointed.

Font Accuses Laporta of Deceiving Messi Twice

Font has been vocal in his criticism of Laporta’s handling of the Messi situation, claiming the Argentine was “deceived” on both occasions. He argues that reconciliation between Messi and the club is simply impossible as long as Laporta remains in power. For Font, winning the election is the only path to repairing this broken relationship.

An Honorary President Role on the Table

Beyond a playing return, Font has floated the idea of appointing Messi as Honorary President of Barcelona, ensuring a lifelong bond between the legend and the club. He stressed that Messi deserves to retire on the pitch, in the famous Barcelona shirt, in front of his fans — not quietly behind closed doors. Whether this vision becomes reality depends on the election outcome and Messi’s own situation by the end of 2026.