Overview
- Presidential pre-candidate Marc Ciria unveiled a large banner in central Barcelona featuring Lionel Messi and the Catalan message “Ganes de tornar-te a veure” (“Can’t wait to see you again”).
- Ciria has made Messi’s return a core campaign theme, calling the 2021 exit a major mistake and pitching the club legend as essential to Barça’s future stature and commercial strategy.
- Reports say the banner measures roughly 24 by 18 meters, was funded by a group of members, and includes a QR code for fans to send video messages intended for Messi.
- Joan Laporta, who resigned to run again, reiterates plans for a statue and a tribute match for Messi, noting the player’s Inter Miami contract through 2028 and downplaying a near‑term return to the pitch.
- Election logistics are set: candidates are working to collect 10,000 signatures by March 2 to clear pre‑candidacy, with in‑person voting scheduled for March 15 at multiple locations.