Barcelona’s new president Laporta’s masterplan and what it means for Messi

Barcelona's new president is not so new having been in charge before.

Joan Laporta steamrolled the elections on Sunday, winning 58 per cent of the vote.

Victor Font came second with just over 30 per cent while Toni Freixa finished third with nine per cent.

Barca members have turned to a man who has been there and done that, regarding crisis times at the club.

When Laporta was first elected in 2003, he arrived at a similar situation – crippling debts and underperformers in the team.

By the time he left in 2010, Barcelona was a globalised brand that had won six trophies in a year and was a hot destination for the best players in the world.

The likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta came up through the academy while glistening stars such as Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o lit up the Nou Camp.

Pep Guardiola's side of 2008 is commonly regarded as the best team to have ever played and Laporta used all these nostalgic qualities to claim victory in the elections.

But he also promised club members that he was the best man to convince Messi to stay this summer.

The Argentine is out of contract at the end of the season and was hellbent on leaving last year after falling out with Josep Maria Bartomeu.

And though he has since resigned, the bad blood remains while Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain wait to pounce.

When asked by BILD what his plans over Messi are, Laporta said: "Messi generates more money than he costs!

"I want to make a proposal to him within the scope of the financial means. But above all a very competitive proposal.

"Leo doesn't go by the money. I am sure that he will help us in this aspect.

"Above all, Leo wants to win the Champions League and other titles again.

"I will make him an offer that is worth considering and that he will hopefully accept if it comes from me. He says yes, that I kept everything I told him in my time."

Will Lionel Messi stay at Barcelona this summer or leave? Have your say in the comments below.

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