Messi will not stay if I loose - Laporta

Joan Laporta has emphatically stated that only his election as the next Barcelona president will persuade Lionel Messi to sign a new contract with the Blaugranas.

The former manager who erected a fruitful campaign between 2003 and 2010, winning 12 trophies has a great relationship with the Argentine and believes he is the right man to convince him to stay but that can be possible when he is mandated to handle the club through the polls on March 7.

He cautioned that if Barcelona do not want to see their star man in the shirts of Paris Saint Germain or Manchester City, then the presidency spot should be given to him else the occupation of any other will be a different story at the end of the season.

"I have a great relationship with Leo [Messi] and he will consider whatever proposal I make," said Laporta during a debate in which candidates Toni Freixa and Victor Font were present published by Marca.

"If I don't win, I am sure that Leo will not stay at Barcelona."

"He will weight up the offer we make him.

"I'm convinced that if the other candidates win, Messi will not remain at Barcelona.

"He wasn't happy during Freixa's time on the board."

Laporta also expressed that Messi’s commitment to the club is not just about the money but a strong team to compete and conquer Europe and the rest of the world just like he engineered during his former reign.

"He's not guided just by money," added Laporta.

"He wants a competitive team to win.

"I'm sure he'll listen to my offer, just as I am [sure] that if someone else wins he will leave."