When Joan Laporta was vying for the job as Barcelona’s club president, Laparta used the slogan “Can’t wait to see you again”. This was of course a reference to Lionel Messi and return to Camp Nou. Laporta won the election, Messi is still conspicuous by his absence. Entering a new term at the La Liga giant, it is candidate Marc Ciria who will win the election by promising the supporters Messi.
Barcelona’s presidential candidates are busy with the election campaign ahead of the election that will take place on March 15. Laporta is the favorite to win and hopes to continue for another term, but he faces competition from several opponents. Victor Font, who Laporta defeated last time out, is back in the fight along with Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, Daniel Juan and William Maddock.
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Ciria has caught the eye with its eye-catching banner that features an image of Messi holding up his Barcelona shirt. The picture is from Messi’s famous celebration after scoring a winning goal in injury time against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2017. Messi’s name often appears in presidential election campaigns when candidates try to impress voters. It’s no surprise to hear the Argentine star’s name mentioned again this time around, as Ciria has previously insisted that the club legend must be brought back to the club.
After Messi secretly visited the renovated Camp Nou in December, Cirita told reporters: “We want our legends to be able to come back to the club and not have to do it in the middle of the night and in secret. We will do everything we can to achieve it. [Messi] is an indispensable figure for this club. He must come back with a solid support system and a good structure in place. The relationship between Messi and Barça must be like that between Michael Jordan and Nike. It must go far beyond the ordinary, from the club’s commercial and institutional areas to the development of players at La Masia. We can do so many things and make so much money. Bringing him home is important if we want to get out of the financial situation we are in. It’s about a deal that makes him the best athlete on the planet.”
Then we will see if the voters go on the promise of Messi’s return, this time too. Barcelona desperately need a dignified farewell to the best player in world history.
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