The top priority for the club’s elected director is to keep his star from being pushed over the summer on free transfer
After Barcelona’s presidential election on Sunday, Joan Laporta refocused on his top campaign priority – convincing Lionel Messi to stay at the Catalan club.
He said it was a time of “true telling” to see Messi vote in the election as he confirmed the enduring love of the progressive side for his youth side.
Laporta’s relationship with Messi dates back decades, as he was previously president from 2003-10. He has used the Argentinian to say he is the perfect man for the presidency at a dangerous time for Barcelona.
What has Laporta said about Messi?
“Seeing Lionel Messi come to the polls today, seeing him take part, that’s very telling,” Laporta said in a news conference.
“Twenty years ago [he] he made his debut with the Barca youth team. Seeing the best player in the world come out to vote today is a clear indication of what we are keeping saying. Leo loves Barca.
“Barca is loved by the best player in the world and I hope that is a sign that he will stay at Barcelona, and that is what we all want.”
Messi contract status
His contract is up in the summer, leaving little time for Laporta to argue that the striker should commit to Barcelona again.
Messi has an expiring contract, signed in 2017, valued at € 555 million (£ 491m / $ 674m).