Barcelona presidential candidate Fonte promises to call Messi for the first time after being elected and invite the legend to return to Camp Nou

(November 19, 2025) Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font recently publicly announced that if he wins the 2026 club presidential election, his first action will be to call Lionel Messi to discuss the possibility of the club legend returning to Camp Nou. This promise quickly became the focus of the election and once again ignited fans' expectations for Messi's "last dance".

In an exclusive interview with Spain's Mundo Deportivo, Fonte made it clear: "When I win the election, the first person I pick up the phone to call is Lionel Messi. This will be my first call." He admitted that as a Barcelona fan, the thought of Messi one day returning to the club "will give me goosebumps." But he also emphasized that the final decision on any return lies with Messi himself, and what the club needs to do is create possibilities rather than using his fame for political manipulation.

Fonte took the opportunity to severely criticize current president Joan Laporta for his treatment of Messi. He clearly pointed out that Laporta made "retaining Messi" as a core promise in the 2021 presidential election, but ultimately failed to fulfill it, causing Messi to be forced to leave the team and join Paris Saint-Germain due to the club's financial difficulties. Font called the matter "a classic example of broken promises" and emphasized that "Messi should not be taken advantage of", but Messi needs to know the sincere expectations of Barcelona's new leadership.

Some of Messi's recent actions have added a realistic color to the rumors of his return. Earlier this month, Messi made a surprise visit to the Camp Nou stadium, which was being renovated, during a visit to Spain with the Argentina national team. Afterwards, he wrote emotionally on social media: "Last night I returned to a place that I thought about with all my heart... I hope that one day I can come back and not just say goodbye as a player, because I never had the opportunity to do so." These words deeply touched a large number of Barcelona fans. Although Messi's contract with Inter Miami of MLS has been extended until 2028, his deep affection for Barcelona is obvious.

Barcelona's 2026 presidential election is expected to be held between March and May. This will be the second direct showdown between Fonte and Laporta - in the 2021 election, Fonte lost to Laporta. Fonte's campaign has already received significant support, with former Barca manager and club legend Xavi Hernandez publicly attending his events and expressing his support.

Fonte named his campaign project "Nosaltres" ("We" in Catalan), intending to emphasize teamwork and collective intelligence to distinguish it from what he called Laporta's "highly personal and improvisational" club management model.

For all Barcelona fans, Messi's name is far more than a player. He represents the club's most glorious era and eternal emotional ties. It remains to be seen whether Victor Font will win the election, but he has succeeded in turning "bringing the legend home" into an issue that cannot be ignored the next time Barça's fate is decided.