Leo Messi to Politics? Argentine Icon Set to Contest Election Against Major Rival

The year 2025 has been full of surprises. From teams winning their first Champions League titles to underdogs making strong statements on the bigger stages, the world of football has witnessed many twists. Amid all of these, “Leo Messi to politics” has hit the headlines, triggering speculations among Barcelona fans. The Argentine football legend, who won the coveted FIFA World Cup title in 2022, helped Barcelona achieve wonders during his long stay at the Catalan club. Now in 2026, he may consider returning to his boyhood club, but in a different role in the backroom, which could shape the next generation, as Leo Messi Barcelona President, could be a very real possibility. If not in the 2026 election, he can take part in the next election after wrapping up his playing career.

Leo Messi Barcelona President Soon?

Barcelona was the subject of terrible financial mismanagement over the years. Their former President Josep Maria Bertomeu's era drew success to the century-old club but left the ground buried in debt. His successor, the current Barcelona president Joan Laporta, took over the reins. He salvaged multiple deals to pull the club out of debt. One of his major concerns was swaying away from offering Messi a new contract in 2021.

Amidst financial difficulties, he pulled the plug on a new contract to Messi that was in the making. This meant Messi hit free agency and decided to join PSG in the summer transfer window.

According to ABC_ES, it is relieved that Messi sees Laporta as someone who betrayed his trust. They also revealed that there is a unified front working behind the scenes to lure Lionel Messi to politics to support them.

Messi has no intentions of supporting any candidate unless they have a real chance of winning, according to ABC. However, if the alternative to Laporte succeeds in luring Messi, he will have a major advantage in the Presidential elections. Leo Messi Presidential Race backed candidate, will have the best chances of winning.

When will the Barcelona Presidential Elections Take Place?

Barcelona's last presidential election took place in 2021. Laporta aced the election and won by a landslide. His decisions to pull levers and sell club assets like the stadium naming rights and other rights helped them fend off debts. But the club is still using a sell-to-buy policy. They can not register big-money signings freely without making room for them.

There is dissent that Laporta is not doing enough on the revenue generation front for the club to be financially profitable. These winds of dissent became a real threat to him. The next presidential election will take place in 2026, and it will surely be a gateway for Leo Messi to politics.

Leo Messi: A Natural Leader

Leo Messi is a man of few words and all action. Messi leads from the front. He assumed captaincy for Barcelona in 2018 and led them to multipe titles before shifting his base to the French capital, joining Paris Saint-Germain. He also lifted the World Cup trophy as the captain of Argentina. His teammates have opened up multiple times on how Messi's wise words motivated him during the campaign in Qatar.

With such power over people and good intent, Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, will make a wonderful leader and politician. Leo Messi Presidential race will be a huge x factor. If stars align soon, Leo Messi Barcelona President might be a reality soon.