Lionel Messi parted ways with Barcelona in 2021 after 17 years with their first team due to the club's financial issues. The La Masia graduate then joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
Following his two-year tenure at the Ligue 1 giants, Messi signed for Inter Miami in 2023, and his current contract with the Major League Soccer club is set to expire at the end of this year.
The Argentine icon has recently made an uncertain admission about his chances of featuring in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, following a 3-0 win against Venezuela in a qualifying match that could possibly be his last national game at home.
Now reports have suggested that Messi could reportedly be a part of Barcelona's upcoming presidential elections in 2026.
Barcelona's current president, Joan Laporta, will be seeking his fourth term at the Catalan club in next year's elections.
Leo Messi to make 'explicit gesture' ahead of Barcelona's presidential elections
Laporta returned to Barcelona as president in 2021, winning over 50% of the vote with a reported promise of keeping Messi at the club. However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's time at Camp Nou came to a bitter and emotional end.
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Messi can potentially participate and has considered making an 'explicit gesture' ahead of Barca's presidential elections next year, according to Cadena SER. The report also mentioned that the 38-year-old star has been contacted by the club, but not by Laporta or his camp.
With no reported definitive answer from the 2022 World Cup winner or insight into what his role will be in the upcoming elections, it remains to be seen if Messi's involvement is in favor of Laporta or not.
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