Barca prez candidate hopes Messi 'tells the truth' about failed return

Barcelona presidential hopeful Víctor Font has publicly urged Lionel Messi to clarify the circumstances that prevented the Argentine’s much-discussed return to Camp Nou in 2023. Font, who is challenging incumbent Joan Laporta in the upcoming election, made the appeal after former Barça coach Xavi Hernández claimed that Laporta personally intervened to block Messi’s comeback because he feared a potential power struggle within the club hierarchy.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Font insisted that transparency is vital for the institution’s future and called on Messi to “tell the truth” about what transpired during last summer’s negotiations. The candidate argued that supporters deserve a full account of why the club’s all-time leading scorer ultimately signed with Inter Miami rather than pulling on the blaugrana shirt again.

Font’s demand intensifies an already heated electoral debate, with the Messi narrative emerging as a flashpoint between the two rival camps. Laporta has not yet responded to Xavi’s assertion, and Messi himself has remained silent since his departure for Major League Soccer.

Barcelona members will cast their ballots in the coming weeks, deciding whether to grant Laporta a second consecutive term or entrust Font with the task of restoring stability to a club still navigating financial constraints and high expectations on the pitch.

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