"Leo will be linked to Barcelona in whatever way he wants to be. He deserves a tribute [match] and also a statue. That would be hugely significant. Only Ladislao Kubala and Johan Cruyff have statues at the stadium. The doors at Barça are always open to him, whenever he wishes, so that he can continue to strengthen and bring greatness to this institution."
"Laporta beat rival Víctor Font by a landslide in Sunday's election, receiving 68.18% of 48,480 votes cast by the club's members. Font had leaned on Laporta's frayed relationship with Messi -- pointing out repeatedly during the campaign that he had overseen the Argentina star's exit in 2021 and failed return in 2023 -- but it was not enough to sway the popular vote."
Joan Laporta decisively won re-election as Barcelona president until 2031, securing 68.18% of votes cast by club members. Despite rival Víctor Font's campaign emphasizing Laporta's role in Messi's 2021 departure and failed 2023 return, voters chose Laporta by a landslide. Laporta expressed openness to Messi's return in any capacity, proposing a tribute match and statue—honors previously reserved for Ladislao Kubala and Johan Cruyff. Messi remained silent during the campaign despite Font's encouragement to speak out. Laporta promised supporters optimistic years ahead, citing team improvements under coach Hansi Flick and the new Spotify Camp Nou stadium as reasons for hope.
Read at ESPN.com
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