Overview
- Economist Marc Ciria formally launched his Moviment 42 campaign and vowed to do whatever it takes to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona.
- Ciria framed Messi as a strategic commercial partner and club ambassador, comparing the relationship to Michael Jordan and Nike.
- He claimed an agreement tied to Messi could deliver roughly €200 million in revenue to help stabilize Barcelona's finances.
- Messi, 38, recently extended his Inter Miami contract through the 2028 season, which makes a playing return to Barça unlikely even as he has voiced a desire to come back someday.
- Incumbent Joan Laporta said the saga has made him sad and expressed willingness to mend relations with a tribute or statue, while rivals such as Víctor Font also plan to reach out to Messi ahead of the 2026 vote.