Identifying 3 options for Messi to return to Barcelona

A candidate for Barcelona's presidency has pledged to implement a “three-pronged plan” aimed at persuading Lionel Messi to come back to his old club.

After a career many believed would both start and end at the same club, Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial crisis. Since then, rumors about the Argentine superstar’s potential return have been almost constant.

Since parting ways with the Catalan team, Messi has kept his distance from the club. Until his unexpected and unannounced visit to Camp Nou last November, he had scarcely appeared again in Barcelona.

Now, with the presidential election approaching, candidate Victor Font promises that repairing the relationship between the club and Messi will be one of his top priorities. He told Cadena SER: “The fact that he had to enter Camp Nou quietly, and that we severed ties with Leo but not with Real Madrid, is unacceptable. Reconciling with Messi should have been a priority from the moment he left.”

Font said his plan will excite Barca fans, featuring a “three-pronged” strategy focusing on three areas: institutional, commercial and football expertise. He affirmed he will present this plan to Messi if he wins the March 15 election.

Font’s rival is Joan Laporta, a former president who had to resign earlier this week due to procedural regulations. However, Font has gained support from Xavi Hernandez, one of the most influential figures in Barcelona’s history. According to Font, Xavi feels “betrayed” by how he was treated under the current leadership.

Font stated: “Xavi is very disappointed with the current board. He feels betrayed, and what he wants is a change in the model, modernizing the club and ending the overly personalized management style.”

Regarding Messi, during his surprise visit last November, he expressed a desire to return someday and hinted that he was looking for more than just a farewell from the fans.

Meanwhile, last October, Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami, keeping him at the club until 2028.