The forthcoming presidential election at FC Barcelona has taken a noteworthy turn, as Lionel Messi has reportedly decided neither to vote nor to endorse any candidate in the contest. The electoral process was triggered following the resignation of club president Joan Laporta, who has since confirmed that he will stand again in the new election. His principal challenger is businessman and long-time club member Víctor Font.
Amid mounting speculation over the influence of former players and coaches in shaping the outcome, Messi’s silence had been conspicuous. Former Barcelona captain and coach Xavi Hernández has publicly declared his support for Font, intensifying debate about the role of club legends in internal politics. Messi, however, has chosen a markedly different path.
According to reports in the Spanish sports daily Diario Sport, later cited by Yahoo Sports, the Argentine forward has clarified his position: he will abstain from voting in the forthcoming election and will not engage in any activity that could sway the democratic process. Crucially, he is also said to have declined meetings with any candidate — including Font, who had previously remarked that, should he win, Messi would be the first person he would telephone.
Observers note that this represents a significant departure from Messi’s past conduct. During his years at the club, he regularly exercised his right as a member to vote in presidential elections. His decision to abstain this time is therefore seen as both deliberate and symbolic.
Key Figures in the Barcelona Presidential Election
| Candidate | Background | Notable Position or Pledge |
|---|---|---|
| Joan Laporta | Former and outgoing club president | Focus on financial restructuring and sporting stability |
| Víctor Font | Entrepreneur and club member | Advocates a leadership model involving former club legends |
Reports further suggest that Messi’s relationship with Laporta has effectively cooled in recent years. Yet despite any personal differences, he has refrained from taking sides. Sources indicate that Messi believes even a subtle gesture of support could materially influence the result, given his enduring stature among the Barcelona faithful.
Currently plying his trade with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi remains deeply associated with Barcelona’s modern golden era. However, his professional commitments in the United States — coupled with family life abroad — appear to have reinforced his determination to remain detached from the club’s internal politics for the time being.
While his abstention underscores a desire for neutrality, it does not diminish his emotional connection to the Catalan giants. Indeed, many within the footballing world speculate that Messi’s role in Barcelona’s future — whether symbolic or substantive — may yet evolve. For now, though, he has opted for discretion over intervention, allowing the club’s members to determine their leadership without his direct involvement.