Joan Laporta spoke to the media on Monday after announcing he would run for the Barcelona presidency again. One of the issues which is going to mark this election campaign is Lionel Messi's future.

Asked about that, Laporta said: "It's true he is very disappointed with how he's been treated. But Messi loves Barca, I know that, I have no doubts about that.

"My relationship with Messi one of respect and affection. The best thing for him is to wait and see who wins the election and what they propose. I think Messi, with a good proposal, would choose Barça.

"He knows me, he knows us, how we work, how we treat the players ... if there's one thing I am proud of it's always keeping my word.

"We want a winning sporting project, to dominate the Champions League, and I think that with Leo in the squad we can build a really good team. It's important to bring happiness back to the club and the squad.

"I hope we arrive in time to have that conversation and to be able to convince the best player in history that we have a winning project." 

Laporta also revealed that he turned down a 250 million euro bid from Inter for Messi during his first spell as Barça president, which ran from 2003 until 2010.

The reasons Joan Laporta is running to be the Barça president again

Joan Laporta announced on Monday what was already an open secret: that he will once again stand to become the Barcelona president. 

Laporta revealed his intentions in a press conference at the historic Hospital de Sant Pau. He was previously the Barça president between 2003 and 2010. 

Explaining his reasons for running, he said: "I want to bring back happiness to Barcelonismo. Appealing to the spirit of hard work, enthusiasm, drive and affection for the colours, it is with great honour that I announce my candidacy for the Barcelona presidency. 

"I do so because I love Barça, the supporters, La Masia, the club. I want to serve Barça again. We are ready. We have the experience and the necessary preparation to make the changes that are needed." 

Laporta added that he has a plan to help solve the club's financial problems and also said he hopes to convince Lionel Messi to stay, although he steered clear from announcing possible signings or big-name appointments.

Source: Sport