Lionel Messi voted in the election for a new president for FC Barcelona, in light of rumors about Messi leaving the club.
Messi’s 33-year-old contract at the club expires in June, and one of the most important tasks facing the new president is persuading the striker to sign a new contract, according to what was reported by the “ESPN” sports website.
There are three candidates for the club’s presidency, Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Tony Frixa. Messi has not publicly supported any of them, but Laporta has repeatedly claimed that he is the best candidate to preserve the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year.
Laporta was a former president of Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, in conjunction with Messi’s progress in the team. Both Font and Frixa expressed confidence in their ability to keep Messi if elected as well.
100,000 club members voted in the election and six polling stations opened across Catalonia and Andorra, with postal voting included for the first time ever.
In addition to Messi, Sergio Busquets also cast his vote on Sunday, and sources confirmed to “ESPN” that Gerard Pique is among the other first team players scheduled to participate in the elections.
In the process of Messi’s exit from the club, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are the favorites in the race to clinch the athlete who won the six-time Ballon d’Or, although clubs such as Manchester United and Juventus are said to be very keen on buying the player.
Previously, Messi said he would not make a decision about his future at Camp Nou until he had a conversation with the new club president. The elections for the new Barcelona president will be held today, March 7th.