Presidential candidate promises that he will do everything to keep Messi at Barcelona

If Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona was uncertain prior to the game against Paris Saint-Germain, now it must be on the very edge. Seeing how the Catalans suffered another humiliation in Europe, it’s difficult not to think it may have affected the Argentine’s decision.

Still, Leo is adamant he’ll finish the season strong and then decide whether he wants to go or stay. A lot will also inevitably depend on the new president and his board. Whoever ends up winning the election will have an immediate task of convincing Messi Barcelona are still worth fighting for.

Joan Laporta, for example, promised he will do everything in his power to make it happen. Talking to Sky Sports in Italy, the presidential candidate said the following: “I will do everything possible for Messi to stay. Messi should be valued with the affection he deserved and with a suitable financial package, but it’s not about money. He needs a winning sporting proposal, Leo wants to win again with Barcelona.”

And that truly does seem to be the case. This was never about the money and Leo just wants to win. It’s the only thing he has ever wanted and that hasn’t changed since the early days. Laporta knows this all to well because after all, the two have worked together when Barcelona were on top of the world.

Maybe, just maybe, they can do that again with these two combining forces. Of course, Laporta first has to win the race to make it happen.

At the moment, he’s a clear favourite, even ahead of Victor Font, but nothing is set in stone just yet. Whoever conjures a better sporting project and sells it better to the socis will have the advantage.

For now, that certainly seems to be Laporta despite him being quite secretive about his plans. But knowing him and his connections, it could still be huge.

Let’s hope that’s the case. Both for Barcelona’s sake and the sake of the best player in their history.