Just days before the FC Barcelona elections, Joan Laporta sent an ultimatum that might get him way more votes than previously expected.
Joan Laporta is already setting the stage for a possible overtaking at the FC Barcelona election on March 7. Even though he is already considered the favorite to win by a landslide, the former president still wants to have no doubts about the victor. Just days before the big day, Laporta dropped the biggest bomb he could during a conversation with the media. As we all know, FC Barcelona is still uncertain about Lionel Messi’s future as the Argentine awaits for the new president to be announced.
Joan Laporta just hinted at the possibility of Messi leaving with only one chance of making the decision to stay. According to the former president, Leo already made up his mind on the possible winner of these elections. It appears Laporta has privileged information about Messi’s decision and the other candidates won’t like it. If another one other than Laporta wins the presidency, Joan is convinced Messi will leave FC Barcelona next summer.
Laporta has Messi’s vote in the bag.
Their past in previous decades with so many titles and success is a major part of Leo Messi’s decision to support Laporta. Although he repeatedly stated he won’t publicly support any candidate, we can’t ignore their past together. For Messi, the happiest time at FC Barcelona was when Laporta served as the club’s president. With this in mind, Joan sent the rest of the candidates a stern warning. He also played with the supporters’ fears by threatening Leo could leave if he doesn’t win the elections: “I have a great relationship with Leo [Messi] and he will consider whatever proposal I make,” said Laporta via Marca.
“If I don’t win, I am sure that Leo will not stay at Barcelona. Messi will weigh up the offer we make him. I’m convinced that if the other candidates win, Messi will not remain at Barcelona. He wasn’t happy during Freixa’s time on the board. He’s not guided just by money. Leo wants a competitive team to win. I’m sure he’ll listen to my offer, just as I am [sure] that if someone else wins he will leave.”
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