Lionel Messi could be set for a sensational return to Barcelona if presidential aspirant Marc Ciria wins next year’s election.
Ciria has confirmed he will contest the presidency in 2026, challenging current president Joan Laporta. He has made it clear that one of his key ambitions, if elected, would be to facilitate the return of Messi, Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer, to the club.
Messi departed Barcelona in 2021 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later joining Inter Miami, where he clinched the MLS Cup earlier this month.
Speaking at the launch of his candidacy, Ciria stressed the importance of welcoming club legends back openly and respectfully. “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 hidden,” he said, according to ESPN.
He added that every effort would be made to bring Messi back, describing him as central to the club’s identity. Ciria explained that Messi’s return should be supported by a strong structure and long-term vision, extending beyond football into commercial and institutional areas.
“The Messi-Barca relationship has to be like the Michael Jordan-Nike one,” Ciria said, emphasizing that such a partnership could significantly boost revenue, sponsorships, and youth development at La Masia. He argued that bringing Messi home would be crucial to helping the club recover from its financial challenges.
Another presidential hopeful, Victor Font, has also publicly stated his intention to reunite Messi with Barcelona.
Ciria further noted that the plan is not about symbolic gestures. “It’s not about convincing him with a statue or a tribute game,” he said. “It’s about an agreement that makes the best sportsman on the planet Barca’s biggest ambassador.”
Although Messi signed a new deal with Inter Miami earlier this year, he returned to Camp Nou during last month’s international break. Reflecting on his departure, Messi wrote on Instagram: “I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do…”
