In a move aimed at reshaping the future of the Catalan club, Marc Serria, a financial expert and potential candidate for the presidency of FC Barcelona, unveiled the outlines of his electoral project, which places Argentine legend Lionel Messi at its heart. This announcement ignites an early competition with current president Joan Laporta, ahead of the elections scheduled for 2026.
Messi as a strategic partner, not just a player
During his official candidacy announcement at the Sala Bikini on December 16, 2025, Soria explained that his vision for Messi's return transcends purely emotional or technical considerations. In an interview with the Catalan newspaper Sport, the presidential candidate emphasized that the return of "La Pulga" (the Flea) is a cornerstone of the club's economic recovery plan.
"We must recognize that Messi is a strategic asset, not just for today but for the entire future of the club," said Soria. "He will help us maintain and protect the ownership model." He added that the goal is to create a partnership that generates substantial financial returns, as Messi's name is a global brand capable of attracting sponsors and immediately increasing revenue—something Barcelona desperately needs to escape its current financial crisis.
Economic background and Barcelona crisis
Soria's statements take on particular significance given Barcelona's complex financial situation in recent years. The club has suffered from mounting debt, forcing the current administration to resort to "economic leverage," selling off future club assets for immediate cash. Soria believes the sustainable solution lies not in selling assets, but in maximizing the club's brand value, and no human asset in the world of football rivals Lionel Messi's market value.
Regarding the possibility of seeing Messi in a Spotify Camp Nou jersey again, Seria left the door open to the coaching staff's decision, adding: "On a personal level, I would very much welcome this move, but if it is not possible at the moment, then let it be as an institutional and commercial figure who gives us the resources we need. We will do everything necessary to bring Messi back to Barcelona in the future.".
The pain of leaving and Messi's current career
This plan reopens the saga of Messi's dramatic departure in August 2021, when he left the club in tears after the administration failed to register his contract due to La Liga's Financial Fair Play regulations. The Argentine star then moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons, before joining Inter Miami in the United States, where he led them to the MLS Cup title and the Fans' Shield, continuing to dazzle on the pitch.
With Barcelona's elections scheduled between March 15 and June 15, 2026, it seems that Messi's candidacy will be the deciding factor in determining the identity of the next president, given the Catalan fans' overwhelming desire to see their historic legend return home, whether as a leader on the field or as an administrative figure who restores the club's economic and sporting prestige.
