Font drops bombshell: Messi’s ‘Last Dance’ at Barça only happens without Laporta

Víctor Font, a pre‑candidate for the Barcelona presidency and leader of the “Nosaltres” platform, dropped one of the first major pre‑election bombshells this Saturday: the possibility of Leo Messi returning to say goodbye to Barça as an active player.

Font didn’t mince words. “That will never happen under Laporta,” he said, calling Messi’s departure “one of the worst moments of this administration.”

Font explained that the idea of a “Messi project” began taking shape in the second half of 2022, when the Argentine star was still playing in France. He broke it down into what he called the “three pillars” of his long‑term vision — the “three‑dimensional Messi” he has referenced for years.

The institutional pillar: Messi as Honorary President

If elected on March 16, Font says he would propose naming Messi Honorary President of FC Barcelona. “Messi is a role model not only as a footballer but as a person. He reflects who we are as Barça fans — hardworking, committed, a leader, honest, and someone who loves this club,” Font said.

He added that the proposal would go through the club’s Assembly after his planned reform of the statutes. “If approved, we’d have the best ambassador possible.”

Sources close to Messi, however, told AS that the player is not involved in any campaign and will not participate in it.

The economic pillar: a lifelong Messi‑Barça brand

Font also wants to link the Messi and Barça brands permanently. As part of that commercial strategy, he acknowledged that “we’re studying a strategic agreement with Inter Miami, because we’re complementary clubs and there are possible synergies.”

The sporting pillar — and the big bombshell

Finally, Font delivered the headline moment. “Messi cannot end his relationship with Barça with a farewell inside a closed room. It’s unthinkable. Messi must retire on the field,” he said. “Obviously, how that happens depends on his wishes and his situation at the end of 2026. But the only way he can get the farewell he deserves — in uniform and on the pitch — is if Joan Laporta is no longer president after March 16.”

The room erupted in applause.

Font clarified that any return would require approval from the sporting department — led by Carles Panchart, Albert Puig, and Francesc Cos — as well as the first‑team coach. “During pre‑campaign season, names fly around. We try to generate excitement based on facts. And the truth is simple: reconciliation with Messi will never happen under Laporta. If we win the election, Messi’s ‘last dance’ is possible.”