Lionel Messi will not participate in voting during Barcelona‘s upcoming presidential election on March 15, as current president Joan Laporta seeks re-election following his resignation on February 9. Messi Barcelona presidential election tensions stem from a strained relationship between the club legend and Laporta, who led the club through significant challenges during his second term that began in March 2021.
Background on Messi’s Departure and Current Election Contestants
One of the most painful episodes of Laporta’s tenure was Messi’s departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. Although the club initially appeared poised to renew his contract, Barcelona’s dire financial situation forced them to let Messi leave on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, marking an emotional end to his time at Camp Nou.
Messi joined MLS side Inter Miami in mid-2023 and has since maintained a distant stance from Barcelona’s political affairs. The election pits Laporta against several challengers, including Victor Font, Xavier Vilajoana, and Marc Ciria. Reports from DiarioSPORT via Barca Universal reveal that neither Messi nor his entourage will meet with any of the candidates, underlining a permanent chill between the player and Laporta. According to Sporting News, this includes a break in communication lasting more than four years between Messi and the current president.
Victor Font, who receives support from former Barcelona coach Xavier Hernandez, has publicly stated that one of his priority actions if elected would be reaching out to Messi. Despite this, with no postal voting options and Messi’s MLS match against Charlotte scheduled the day before the election, the Argentine star will likely observe the vote from afar.
Messi has expressed intentions to return to Barcelona to settle after retiring, keeping a home in the city, and could potentially engage more actively in club affairs, including future elections, possibly five years from now.
Messi’s Remarkable Playing Career and Upcoming Milestone
Lionel Messi remains one of football’s all-time greats, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring and trophy haul with Barcelona and Argentina. As the MLS season begins later this month, the 38-year-old is just two goals shy of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s feat of reaching at least 900 career goals for club and country.
Coming off an outstanding 2025 season with Inter Miami, Messi scored 43 goals across various competitions, including an MLS-leading 29 goals during the league campaign. His contributions helped the Herons finish third in the regular season before clinching the MLS Cup, further cementing his legacy in professional football.
The Lasting Impact of the Election and Messi’s Absence
The Barcelona presidential election occurs amid a backdrop of ongoing tension between the club legend and its leadership. Messi’s decision to abstain from voting underlines the fractured relationship that followed his unexpected and emotional departure from Camp Nou. The outcome of this electoral contest could influence Barcelona’s future direction, particularly regarding efforts to reconnect with Messi and potentially involve him in the club’s long-term vision.
If Victor Font or another challenger wins, renewed contact with Messi may become a focal point of the next presidency. Meanwhile, Laporta’s re-election bid depends on convincing supporters that his leadership can restore Barca’s stability both on and off the pitch. Messi’s continued status as a Barcelona icon ensures his influence on the club’s culture will endure, even from a distance during this turbulent electoral period.
