Presidential candidate wants Lionel Messi to retire 'in the kit and on the pitch' at Barcelona

""Messi has to retire and has to say goodbye to all culés on the pitch. The 'how' depends exclusively, first, on his will and his situation at the end of this year, once the World Cup has passed and his season in MLS has finished, at the end of 2026. When we talk about the sporting side, it also depends on the situation at FC Barcelona. What is evident is that the only way Messi can say goodbye, as Barça deserves and Leo Messi deserves, which is in kit and on the pitch, is if Joan Laporta is not in charge after March 16," he said."

""What we are telling you today started in 2022. That's when we began working on this project with three pillars. In mid-2023, we presented our idea and proposals to the Messi family.""

""Messi is a reference not only as a footballer but as a person. Messi reflects who we culés are. A hardworking, committed, leader, an honest person who loves Barça," Font said."

""Having this bond with Messi is fundamental to strengthening the institution... We want tears to fall with Messi's last goal at Spotify Camp Nou.""

Víctor Font proposes that Lionel Messi end his playing career wearing a Barça shirt and receive an on-pitch farewell at Spotify Camp Nou. The plan envisages Messi retiring after the 2026 MLS season and the World Cup, contingent on his personal wishes and FC Barcelona's sporting situation, and it requires Joan Laporta not to be president after March 16. The project began in 2022 and was presented to the Messi family in mid-2023, who reportedly reacted positively. Font also proposes naming Messi President of Honor through a reform of the club statutes.

Read at Barca Blaugranes