Víctor Font has called on Lionel Messi to 'explain the truth' about his failed return to Barcelona as the club's presidential election heats up. The Inter Miami forward has become a central figure in the campaign, with Font challenging incumbent Joan Laporta's version of events surrounding Messi's 2023 exit.

Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández claimed an agreement was in place for Messi to return three years ago when leaving Paris Saint-Germain, with LaLiga even approving the financial terms. Xavi alleged Laporta blocked the move fearing a 'war' with the player he had overseen departing in 2021. Laporta countered that Messi's father, Jorge Messi, walked away from the deal, preferring a move to Inter Miami.

Font has leveraged this controversy during his campaign, promising to immediately offer Messi an honorary president role and stressing the financial benefits of reconciling with the club's greatest player. He claims thousands of Barcelona socis still want closure on Messi's departure and that the club is 'losing millions' by not maintaining a relationship with the Argentina star.