Barcelona presidential candidate Víctor Font spoke to Mundo Deportivo at his office on Diagonal Avenue, sharing insights on his candidacy and unveiling his team’s “Messi Plan.”
Regarding the head coach position, Font confirmed that current coach Xavi Frick is their top choice. He emphasized that Frick understands Barcelona’s culture and squad needs, providing the stability the club seeks.
The conversation quickly shifted to Lionel Messi. Font revealed that since 2022, they have been working on a plan for Messi to return to Barça after the World Cup—a move both Messi and Xavi supported. The first step: appoint Messi as Barcelona’s Honorary President. The second step: adopt a model similar to Nike, Jordan, or Federer–On, leveraging Messi’s small stake in Inter Miami to expand the U.S. market and create commercial opportunities. On the sporting side, Messi has full freedom to decide his return—whether to play matches or bid farewell at Camp Nou, everything is at his discretion.
Font stressed that all communications with Messi and his team have been private. While he sees Messi as a strategic asset, he urges the public not to treat him as a campaign pawn. Once elected, Font intends to actively facilitate Messi’s return.
On Real Madrid, Font was unequivocal: Barcelona and Real Madrid are eternal rivals and cannot cooperate. Past projects like the European Super League were mistakes. Real Madrid can never be trusted; whatever they do, Barcelona must respond differently. Friendships are reserved for other clubs.
