{"id":17745,"date":"2025-12-18T04:16:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T04:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/18\/barcelona-presidential-candidate-lionel-messi-wants-to-return-ill-do-whatever-it-takes\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T04:16:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T04:16:26","slug":"barcelona-presidential-candidate-lionel-messi-wants-to-return-ill-do-whatever-it-takes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/18\/barcelona-presidential-candidate-lionel-messi-wants-to-return-ill-do-whatever-it-takes\/","title":{"rendered":"Barcelona presidential candidate Lionel Messi wants to return: “I’ll do whatever it takes”"},"content":{"rendered":"


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W<\/span>With just over a year left until the FC Barcelona presidential election, Lionel Messi’s name has once again emerged on the club’s political scene. New candidate for the Blaugrana presidency, Marc Ciria, said he would “do whatever it takes” to bring the Argentine star back to Camp Nou, a promise that quickly sparked debate among club members and fans.<\/p>\n

Barcelona prepares for crucial elections in 2026<\/h2>\n

Barcelona plans to hold presidential elections in 2026, amid a backdrop of fiscal problems, domestic tensions and the need to redefine the direction of its institutions. Syria joins a race that already features heavy hitters such as current president Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Xavi Vilajoana.<\/p>\n

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Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has said he will do everything in his power to have Lionel Messi return to the club if he wins next year’s elections.<\/p>\n

Current president Joan Laportas’ term ends in 2026, and Mr. Syria officially announced his candidacy against him this week… pic.twitter.com\/phWeNznJ02<\/p>\n

? ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 17, 2025<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The financier formally announced his campaign platform, Movement 42, at an event attended by around 700 people, the Catalan newspaper reported. From there, Syria positioned itself as an alternative focused on club modernization, economic transparency, and greater member participation.<\/p>\n

‘Barcelona needs Messi’: a promise that shakes up the club<\/h2>\n

During a question and answer session with partners, Syria was asked a direct question about Lionel Messi and expressed its position without hesitation.<\/p>\n

“We already said in 2021 that he is the bridge of the best generation, both sportingly and as an economic engine. We need Leo Messi and we will do whatever it takes to bring him back.”<\/p>\n

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We will do whatever it takes to bring Messi back to Barcelona.<\/p>\n

mark cilia<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

The candidate did not specify what role Messi would play if he returned, but his words suggest an institutional and symbolic influence rather than a strictly sporting one. The 38-year-old world champion has just signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami and is unlikely to return to active football for Hansi Flick’s side.<\/p>\n

Messi, Barcelona and the unchanging bond<\/h2>\n

Over the course of his contract, Messi has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to Barcelona once his time in MLS ends. Recently, he released a nostalgic message after visiting the Camp Nou.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night I came back to a place that I miss dearly in spirit\u2026I hope not only to say goodbye as a player but also to return one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

These words stimulate the idea of \u200b\u200breturning in a different role in the future, such as as an ambassador, sports advisor or organizational figure.<\/p>\n

Syria aims for major renewal of club<\/h2>\n

Beyond the “Messi factor”, Ciria stressed that his candidacy is seeking structural solutions for Barcelona. He blamed mounting debt, a lack of real growth in income and, according to him, the club’s decision to distance itself from its members.<\/p>\n

“We need to modernize the club with real professionals and not get caught up in personal interests,” he said, even warning that the next election could be the last under the current membership model.<\/p>\n

With Messi as his banner and a promise of big changes, Marc Ciria has already begun mobilizing Barcelona’s political committee in what promises to be as intense an election campaign as it is symbolic for the club’s future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n