Barcelona presidential candidate Pere Riera has said he would not keep Lionel Messi against his will at the club if he wins the election.
Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned as president of Barcelona last week, ahead of a no-confidence motion against his leadership, along with the entire board of directors.
Following Bartomeu’s decision to resign, it is reported that Barcelona’s presidential election will be held in the second week of January, with Riera submitting his candidacy.
Messi’s future remains an important topic in the La Liga giants, as the six-time Golden Ball winner had made a formal request to leave the club after the disappointing 2019/20 season.
The Barca captain is believed to be able to rejoin Pep Guardiola in Manchester City.
Asked about Messi, Riera told Radio Marca: “In my opinion, Messi should stay in Barcelona and not just in (its) history. It would not be good for anyone.”
“Ultimately, Messi is the one who decides on his future. I doubt very much that Messi really asked to leave Barcelona in the summer.” he added.
Riera stressed: “I would not do everything to keep Messi.”
