Back to the Manchester City Newsfeed

Joan Laporta, the favourite to be Barcelona's new president: 'The club lied to Messi... we have spent badly... a European Super League could destroy the essence of football… and Pep's my pal but he CAN'T have Lionel'

Joan Laporta can't imagine Lionel Messi at Manchester City. As favourite to become Barcelona's new president next month, that might be a very important detail.

'I can only imagine him in a Barça shirt,' he says preparing for the January 24 election from his campaign headquarters in heart of the city.

'And I will do everything possible to make sure he continues to wear it with the number 10 on his back. I think it suits him very well.'

Joan Laporta is the favourite to become Barcelona's new president in next month's elections
Laporta wants to do all he can to convince Lionel Messi to stay and retire at the Nou Camp

Most of the other the candidates have sat on the fence regarding Messi's future or even hinted he might be worth more to the club off the wage bill.