Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has made it one of his pledges to lure Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou before he retires.
When the Argentine legend finally retires, he will go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players in the history of football.
Messi scored 791 goals in 970 club appearances for Argentina and 115 goals in 196 caps, winning everything the game could offer, including eight Ballons d’Or.
As a Barcelona player, Messi won La Liga 10 times, Copa del Rey seven times, Spanish Super Cup seven times, Champions League four times, UEFA Super Cup three times and FIFA Club World Cup three times.
There are rumors that Inter Miami star Messi could return to Europe on loan in the winter as he looks to maintain his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
And earlier this month, Messi caused a stir when he made an impromptu visit to Camp Nou, which is currently under redevelopment, before Argentina’s match against Spain.
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After the visit, Messi posted on social media: “Last night I returned to a place that is dear to my heart.
“This is the place where I was so happy, where you all made me feel a thousand times more like the happiest person in the world.
“I hope I can come back someday, but it’s not just a farewell as a player I never achieved.”
His return to the Camp Nou sparked speculation on social media that Messi could return to Barcelona, although a move is unlikely.
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In an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona presidential candidate Font vowed to call Messi first if elected.
Asked about the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona before the Argentine retires, Font said: “Personally, as a Barça fan, I get goosebumps, but obviously this is up to him and what we should not do is try to take advantage of him.”
“I think Laporta did it and I think he did it many times and he got it wrong. The most blatant example was during the election. It’s another example of broken promises and I don’t think Messi should be used, but I need Messi to know that if I win the election the first thing I’ll do is pick up the phone and call him. That will be the first call I make.”
“Our duty is to talk to everyone who can contribute to the future and it is important to know their intentions. But what I am saying is also important. We need to understand that these are assets of the club and there is no point in exploiting them. But as I said, if I win the election the first person I will call will be Leo Messi.”
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