Laporta explains why he is the man to keep Messi at Barcelona

The former FC Barcelona president is confident he is the right man for the job in persuading Messi to stay put.

Joan Laporta believes his straightforward attitude, experience, desire, and past achievements make him the best-placed presidential candidate to convince Lionel Messi to remain at Camp Nou beyond this season.

The Argentine can begin talks with other clubs in January as his contract enters its final six months. His future has naturally dominated headlines at Camp Nou and become a key subject in the upcoming presidential elections.

Keeping Messi at Barcelona will be a top priority for any new president. Failure isn’t an option. But, unlike his rivals, Laporta already has a stellar history with the club’s skipper, having made him a central figure in his glorious first spell as president between 2003 and 2010.

🎙 | Laporta’s interview with @GoalEspana

🗣 "Messi's continuity is a priority.” #FCB 🇦🇷🚨 pic.twitter.com/vfK7ji9fNl

— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) January 11, 2021

Asked why he is the right man to persuade Messi to stay, Laporta told Goal: “Because I tell the truth, I am the one with the most experience and determination, as well as the most credibility in his eyes. It fills me with pride that he tells me that everything I told him was fulfilled.

“This gives me a position and, if I am president of Barcelona, and that is one of the reasons, I will see what I can offer him within the possibilities of the club in terms of finances and in what interests Leo from a sporting perspective.

“He wants to win the Champions League again with Barca and we have to make him see that this will be possible.”

The successor to Josep Maria Bartomeu will be decided on January 24, and things have already begun to take shape. Seven candidates are understood to still be in the mix, with Victor Font and Laporta favorites. Agusti Benedito and Pere Riera, meanwhile, have recently dropped out.