Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Thursday, February 12, 2026, 3:36 p.m. / Updated Thursday, February 12, 2026, 3:37 p.m.
Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font wants to bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou, but not as a visitor, as he has been recently.
Lionel Messi's return to the Camp Nou has become a theme in the electoral campaign before the presidential elections in Barcelona. Presidential candidate Victor Font (53 years old) wants to bring him from Inter Miami with a clear plan and hard attacks on the opponent Joan Laporta (53 years old).
Joan Laporta's opponent criticizes the fact that Barcelona cut ties with Lionel Messi and not Real Madrid
In an interview given to the station “Cadena SER”, Font criticized the current management of the club and especially the president Laporta. He described it as a serious mistake that the relationship with Messi has been strained since his departure in 2021.
“The fact that Leo has to sneak into the Camp Nou, as was the case recently, the fact that we broke relations with him and not with Real Madrid, is unforgivable. Reconciliation with Messi should have been the main priority since his departure,” accused the club's presidential candidate.
Lionel Messi, surprise visit to Camp Nou // photo: Instagram
Messi visited the new 'Camp Nou' in November without the knowledge of the club's management. He took a selfie and then posted it on social media. If he becomes president in the elections scheduled for March 15, Font wants to do things differently.
Victor Font on Lionel Messi: “We have a project to rebuild bridges”
He plans a “three-pronged offensive” to bring back the 2022 world champion. It involves institutional, sporting and commercial elements. In a statement to “RAC1”, he explained: “We have a project to rebuild bridges.” On the other hand, he insisted that he is the only one to whom Messi would answer in the affirmative: “It is clear that he will not return under Laporta“.
Although Messi is under contract with Inter Miami, extended until 2027, Font claims that the Argentine international would be open to a final chapter in Barcelona, if the conditions are met.
Victor font wants to keep Hansi Flick, but is dissuaded from sports director Deco
Also, Laporta's opponent claims that he will keep Hansi Flick (60) on the bench, but sporting director Deco will leave: “Deco will not be my sporting director.”
The reality is that the Portuguese is not interested either: “If Joan Laporta is no longer president, things will change, for sure, – therefore I will not stay“.
