Messi Featured in Surprise Barcelona Presidential Campaign Billboard

Candidate Marc Ciria suggests Argentine star could return as strategic partner to help sign Haaland.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

FC Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria used a massive billboard featuring Lionel Messi in his Barcelona jersey as part of his campaign, sparking rumors of a possible Messi return to the club. Ciria stated that Messi's return is crucial for the club's present and future, though he clarified that Messi's role would be as a strategic partner, not as a player.

Why it matters

Messi's potential return to Barcelona would be a major story, as he is one of the greatest players in the club's history. The use of his image in a campaign billboard suggests the candidate believes Messi's involvement could help attract top talent like Erling Haaland to the club.

The details

The billboard featured an iconic photo of Messi celebrating a goal at the Bernabeu, with the caption 'Eager to see you again.' Ciria stated that Messi was 'expelled in a bad way' from Barcelona and that his return is crucial. Ciria clarified that Messi would not return as a player, but rather as a strategic partner to help sign players like Haaland.

  • The billboard appeared in the Catalan city on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Marc Ciria

An FC Barcelona presidential pre-candidate who used Messi's image in his campaign billboard.

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine footballer who currently plays for Inter Miami and is featured on the Barcelona campaign billboard.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They expelled our idol in a bad way and he had to return at night and secretly. It cannot happen again. His return is crucial for the club's present and future. I am proud of the tribute we have given him today.”

— Marc Ciria, Barcelona Presidential Candidate (AS)

“To sign Haaland we must recover Messi as a strategic partner, his future is linked to Barça.”

— Marc Ciria, Barcelona Presidential Candidate (AS)

What’s next

Ciria's campaign and the potential for Messi's involvement with Barcelona will continue to be a major storyline leading up to the club's presidential election.

The takeaway

Messi's enduring popularity and influence in Barcelona is evident, as a candidate is using his image to bolster their campaign and suggest he could play a key role in the club's future, even if not as a player.