In the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a poll conducted in Argentina showed that an overwhelming number of Argentines would vote for Lionel Messi to become the country’s president if he were to run for elections.
Such a poll has never been conducted among Barcelona members but isn’t it expected that many would support Messi to return to the club as president when he finally retires from football?
Joan Laporta is the man who currently presides over Barca. The 61-year-old returned for a second spell in charge as president in 2021 after beating Victor Font and Tony Freixa in a keenly contested election.
However, Laporta’s second spell as Barca president hasn’t been all smooth sailing despite the club winning La Liga after a four-year hiatus. His administration couldn’t find a way to keep the club’s best player in 2021 and fumbled his return two years later after making lofty promises that lifted the hopes of Cules to the high heavens before dashing them with impunity.
What’s more, Barca remains neck-deep in debt and continues to struggle to register new players.
One man who has saved Barcelona countless times on the pitch is Messi. Perhaps he could do it as the highest-ranked club administrator in the coming years. And why couldn't he make a better job than Laporta? Let's list some reasons.
1. Leo’s leadership ability
Messi has captained every team he played as a pro except PSG. The legend is a true leader both on and off the pitch.
Leo is the kind of leader who knows exactly what to say to motivate his team members.
After the World Cup, Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez recounted how Messi brought tears to his eyes during their run to the Copa America title in 2021.
"It really touched me," Martinez said. "I felt like I wanted to cry because he mentioned my daughter [in his speech].
"My wife gave birth 10 days before the final, so Messi said something about 'he hasn't even seen his newborn daughter to stay here with us', so make sure we do it for him'. Messi saying that gives you goosebumps. It was a really nice start to that day for me."
If Messi becomes Barca president he will be working with politicians, not footballers, but you can't argue he won't know what to say to get his team working on a common goal.
On the one hand, Laporta still divides opinion among Barca socios and fans today.
2. Leo wouldn't lie to fans
Like fish and water, politicians, lying and failed promises are inseparable. We've seen that with Laporta since he returned as Barca president.
In 2021, Laporta promised to do everything to keep Messi at Barca if he's voted in as president. That never happened.
Laporta again promised to re-sign Messi after his contract at PSG ended. Again Barca fans had to live with numerous explanations without any evidence that Laporta genuinely did enough to bring back their record scorer.
Messi will say things as they are. For a change, Barca fans will get a president who doesn't hide the truth or make promises just to keep them happy.
3. Messi knows football
Unlike Laporta, Leo knows what it takes to win on the pitch.
Having played at the highest level and won more than 40 trophies, Messi has an understanding of what checkboxes must be ticked for a team to achieve success.
That perhaps explains why Messi participated in the last presidential election at Barca.
Messi votes at the 2021 Barca presidential election — his son Thiago casts the ballot
The icon knew that such activities would have a telling impact on what the club can achieve going forward.
What should Barca do to move to the next level in the coming decade? Messi might have a few smart answers, one of which would include bringing business opportunities to the club to improve revenue.
4. Messi would attract investors
Leo Messi is one of the most lucrative brands in the world. According to Forbes, the Messi brand amasses a revenue of $130 million per year. Half of that money is earned from lucrative endorsement deals. So far, the Argentine has made over $1.2 billion in endorsement deals and wages during his remarkable career.
Messi will earn over $25m for being a Saudi tourism ambassador - he doesn't even play there
Even after retirement, big brands will still follow Messi like bees in a honeycomb. He could bring those investors to Barca as club president and the Blaugrana will have their debts written off at the snap of a finger.
A good example is David Beckham who presides over Inter Miami. The England captain uses his acumen and pretty face to attract top investors to his MLS club. Beckham even used his influence to bring a player like Messi to play in Miami.
While we can't honestly expect investors to join Barca for a photo-op with an overweight Laporta, they'll be lining up to stand next to Leo Messi - the Barca president who scored 672 goals for the club.
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