Barcelona have a new president. Joan Laporta was elected for the second time on Sunday night, winning 54 per cent of the vote. Manchester City are on high alert as the president vowed to prioritise Messi’s future. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's deal set to expire at the end of the season. “Seeing Lionel Messi coming to vote today, seeing him taking part, that is very telling,” Laporta said, speaking after his victory. “Twenty years ago [he] made his debut with Barca's youth team. “Seeing the best player in the world come out to vote today is a clear sign of what we keep saying. Leo loves Barca. The best player in the world loves Barca and I hope that is a sign that he will stay at Barcelona, which is what we all want.” Moreover, the newly elected 58-year-old was responsible for the appointment of Pep Guardiola. They are believed to have a strong relationship, and when announcing his run for president nine months ago, Laporta said he "would very much like Guardiola to come back”. Messi has just four months left of his contract, meaning he could potentially leave on a free in the summer window. But despite Sunday’s celebrations, Messi joining City this summer remains a very real possibility.
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