Messi's stance on the Barcelona elections

Reports indicate that Argentine star Lionel Messi will not participate in the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections, as no candidates have contacted him so far . Although rival candidates constantly mention Messi and his importance to the club, including Victor Font, who confirmed he would contact Messi first if elected, the player is fully focused on preseason training with his team, Inter Miami, in South America, and preparing for the upcoming World Cup, which is expected to be his last . Messi's decision to stay away from Barcelona's internal politics stems from a previous negative experience with the club's management. He intends to remain uninfluenced in the election process, despite his name continuing to be mentioned in discussions surrounding it. The new MLS season kicks off on February 22, and Messi has made defending Inter Miami's title his top priority . The Barcelona presidential elections are scheduled for March 15, with current president Joan Laporta set to resign by February 21 to run for re-election.