Barcelona presidential hopeful Victor Font has fiercely criticised Joan Laporta’s management for the fractured relationship with Lionel Messi, labelling it as unforgivable. Speaking in early 2024, Font outlined the broken ties between the club and its most iconic player while revealing his intention to implement a Messi Barcelona return plan designed to restore the connection with the Argentine superstar.
Font sharply criticised Laporta’s leadership on Cadena SER for prioritising an alliance with Real Madrid instead of mending the rift with Messi. He underscored the stark contrast between Laporta’s friendly dealings with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez—primarily driven by their shared ambitions in the Super League—and the cold estrangement from Messi since the Argentine’s departure.
The fact that he has to sneak into the Camp Nou, that we broke off relations with Leo and not with Real Madrid, is unforgivable,
Font said emphatically. He stressed that
reconciliation with Messi should be a priority since he left.
Proposed institutional, commercial, and sporting approach to Messi’s comeback
Beyond criticism, Font revealed a comprehensive three-pronged strategy aiming to bring Messi back to Barcelona, encompassing roles within the club’s institutional framework, commercial ventures, and on-field involvement. Despite Messi currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Font believes conditions could be arranged for the legendary forward to close his career at Camp Nou.
It’s something that will excite Barca fans,
Font commented regarding his vision for the best player in history. His proposal highlights the significance of a multi-dimensional role for Messi, aiming to leverage his influence both on and off the pitch to benefit the club.
The campaign received the backing of club legend and current coach Xavi Hernandez, who, according to Font, is deeply disillusioned with Barcelona’s current board. Font shared,
He’s very disappointed with the current board. Xavi feels very betrayed and what he wants is a change of model, a modernisation of the club, and for the presidency to stop being so personalistic,
indicating a strong desire for structural reform within the club’s hierarchy.
Font alleges longstanding referee bias favouring Real Madrid
In a wider scope, Font expressed his frustration with what he sees as systemic preferential treatment of Real Madrid by La Liga officials. He recounted a personal history of perceived unfair refereeing decisions that have historically disadvantaged Barcelona in league matters.
Clearly, referees have always favored Real Madrid,
Font stated bluntly. He elaborated,
Even before RMTV existed, yes. Since I was a child, I’ve suffered from refereeing decisions that favour Real Madrid. These are the facts: Madrid has been awarded 16 penalties in 23 matches. I’m referring to historical realities, and what makes no sense is the populist rhetoric, the rhetoric of deceiving Barcelona members.
Future sporting ambitions: backing Flick and eyeing Haaland
Looking ahead, Font laid out his vision for Barcelona’s sporting direction under his potential presidency. He firmly supports keeping Hansi Flick as the head coach to ensure stability, yet he opposes maintaining Deco as the sporting director, suggesting a need to redefine leadership roles within the club.
One of the most striking parts of Font’s plans is his ambition to pursue Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as a future key signing, acknowledging the need for a powerful forward to succeed veteran Robert Lewandowski. While Font recognises that City are unlikely to part with Haaland easily, he emphasised targeting the Norwegian goal-scorer as the “typical striker” that embodies the club’s attacking identity moving forward.
Significance of Font’s campaign and impact on club’s future
Victor Font’s outspoken attack on Joan Laporta’s handling of relations with Lionel Messi and Real Madrid sheds light on deep divisions within Barcelona’s leadership. His three-way Messi Barcelona return plan aligns with a broader call for modernisation and renewed focus on restoring key club legacies. With support from influential figures like Xavi, Font’s campaign challenges the current establishment, aiming to repair estranged relationships and rebuild the club’s prestige on multiple fronts.
If his proposals gain traction, they could herald a transformative era for Barcelona, potentially bringing back one of the greatest players in football history and fortifying the club’s institutional structures. His critique of referee biases also highlights longstanding grievances that resonate with supporters frustrated by perceived injustices in domestic football governance.
As Barcelona prepares for future leadership decisions, Font’s vision combines reverence for club heritage with an urgency for renewal, underscoring a critical period where the direction chosen may significantly influence the club’s fortunes on both the sporting and commercial stages.
