Lionel Messi open to 'participating' in 2026 Barcelona presidential elections amid cold war with Joan Laporta

Ahead of next year's elections at Barcelona, club president Laporta is seeking his fourth term at the club. Now, according to SER, Messi could 'participate' in this process, but it may not be in favour of Laporta - who did not complete his second term due to a vote of no confidence.

The report adds that the Inter Miami star, who is arguably Barcelona's greatest ever player, has been contacted about a potential endorsement in the 2026 elections - but not by Laporta's camp. After winning a domestic double last season, Barca are on the up but Laporta is not assured of victory next year.

Laporta won the Barcelona elections in 2021, with the figurehead promising to keep Messi at the club. But due to the Blaugrana's poor finances, the Argentine went on to join Paris Saint-Germain as Laporta pulled the plug on the deal. Messi and his family reportedly saw that as a 'betrayal'.

It remains to be seen if Messi will get involved in these Barcelona elections, which are likely to see Victor Font and Joan Camprubi run against Laporta. If the 2022 World Cup winner, who is a Barca icon, lends his support to one candidate, that could potentially sway the election.