With just over a year to go before the FC Barcelona presidential elections, the name of Lionel Messi is once again bursting onto the political scene at the club. Marc Ciria, a new candidate for the Blaugrana presidency, has said he will do "whatever it takes" to bring the Argentine star back to the Camp Nou, a promise that has quickly ignited debate among members and fans.

Barcelona prepares for key elections in 2026

Barcelona will hold presidential elections in 2026, in a context marked by financial problems, internal tensions and the need to redefine the institutional direction. Ciria joins a race in which strong names such as the current president Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Xavi Vilajoana already appear.

Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has said he will do all he can to bring Lionel Messi back to the club if he prevails in next year's elections.

Current president Joan Laporta's mandate is up in 2026 and Ciria officially announced this week he will run against him… pic.twitter.com/phWeNznJ02

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 17, 2025

The financier officially presented his electoral platform, 'Moviment 42', at an event attended by around 700 people, according to reports in the Catalan press. From there, Ciria positioned himself as an alternative focused on the modernisation of the club, economic transparency and greater participation of the members.

"Barcelona needs Messi": the promise that shakes up the club

During a question-and-answer session with partners, Ciria was asked directly about Lionel Messi and did not hesitate to take a stand.

"We already said in 2021 that he was the best generational bridge in sporting terms and an economic engine. We need Leo Messi and we will do whatever it takes to bring him back," he said.

The candidate did not specify what role Messi would have if he were to return, although his words point more to an institutional and symbolic impact than a strictly sporting one. At 38 years of age, the world champion has just signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami, making a return as an active footballer unlikely to the team now coached by Hansi Flick.

Messi, Barcelona and a bond that remains intact

Beyond the contractual plane, Messi has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to live in Barcelona once his spell in MLS is over. Recently, he even published a message full of nostalgia after a visit to the Camp Nou:

"Last night I went back to a place that I miss with my soul... I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player".

These words fuel the idea of a future return in another role: ambassador, sporting advisor or institutional figure.

Ciria aims for a deep renewal of the club

Beyond the "Messi factor", Ciria stressed that his candidacy is seeking structural solutions for Barcelona. He denounced the growth of debt, the lack of real increase in income and decisions that, according to him, have distanced the club's members.

"We must modernise the club with true professionals. We cannot be caught up in personal interests," he said, even warning that the next elections could be the last under the current membership model.

With Messi as a flag and the promise of a profound change, Marc Ciria has already begun to move the political board of Barcelona, in an electoral race that promises to be as intense as it is symbolic for the future of the club.