Marc Ciria vows to bring Lionel Messi back if elected Barcelona president

Record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has reignited excitement among Barcelona fans after expressing his hope to one day return to the Spotify Camp Nou and receive the farewell he “never got.”

The 38-year-old Argentine left his boyhood club in 2021 amid heartbreak and controversy, as financial constraints forced Barcelona to let him go without the proper send-off he deserved. Years later, Messi fueled speculation of a potential tribute after posting an emotional message on social media during a recent visit to Spain.

His post, which included photos of him walking around the Camp Nou—currently under redevelopment since 2023—sent Barcelona fans into a frenzy. Adding to the speculation, one of the club’s presidential candidates, Marc Ciria, pledged to do everything in his power to bring Messi back to the club if elected next year.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

As it stands, current president Joan Laporta’s term runs until 2026. Ciria announced earlier this week that he will challenge Laporta in the elections scheduled between March and June.

“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. We will do everything possible 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,” Ciria said.

🚨🗣️ Marc Ciria (Barcelona presidential candidate) on Leo Messi returning to the club:

“We will do everything possible to make it happen. He is an indispensable figure for this club.”

“He must return with a solid support system and a good structure in place.” pic.twitter.com/JyATr7qYTM

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 17, 2025

“The Messi-Barca relationship has to be like the Michael Jordan-Nike one. It must go above and beyond—from the commercial and institutional areas of the club to the sponsors and development of players at La Masia.

“With the best player in the club’s history, we can do so many things and earn so much money. Bringing him home is essential if we want to emerge from the financial situation we are in,” he continued.

Despite the speculation, Messi’s return as a player appears unlikely. The Argentine recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him in Major League Soccer until the end of the 2028 season.

Laporta, who has downplayed the idea of Messi’s return, confirmed plans to honor the club legend with a statue, acknowledging that the global pandemic prevented him from receiving a proper farewell.

“It’s not about convincing him with a statue or a tribute game. It’s about an agreement that makes the best sportsman on the planet Barca’s biggest ambassador,” Ciria concluded.

Messi’s journey with Barcelona began at age 13 in 2001. Over two decades, he helped guide the club to nine LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey crowns, among numerous other honors.

He remains Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals and holds the record for most appearances with 778 matches. Across his illustrious career at the club, Messi lifted a staggering 34 trophies, cementing his legacy as not only Barcelona’s greatest-ever player but also one of football’s all-time legends.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.