Laporta wants to keep Messi, hopes for another “remontada” against PSG

Newly elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken of his desire to keep Lionel Messi at the club and also hope for a remontada against PSG after his landslide election victory.

Laporta won over 54% of total votes cast to edge out Victor Font and Toni Freixa and during his celebration speech highlighted that one of his very first responsibilities is to keep Messi at the club.

“We will motivate Lionel Messi to continue at Barcelona,” he told Barça TV. “Seeing him coming to vote today, seeing him taking part, is very telling. Messi loves Barça. We’re a big family with the best player in history.”

Barcelona will travel to Paris on Tuesday to try and overturn a 4-1 first leg loss at Camp Nou. It’s not the first time Barcelona will turn around a result against PSG. The Blaugrana overcame a 4-0 first leg loss to beat PSG 6-1 in the second leg and Laporta hopes for a repeat.

“Let’s go to Paris and see if we can make a comeback!” Laporta was quoted saying during the celebrations.

Laporta is in his second reign as Barcelona president having held the position between 2003 to 2010 and vacated to go into politics. He has returned to try and turn things around for the crisis-hit Barça.

“The big Barcelona family will overcome all the difficulties that are being experienced today.NWe want the joy and happiness to return to the club. I’m sure we’ll achieve it. Visca Barça y Visca Catalunya.” he concluded.