We'll see what he proposes in his platform - in today's press conference he did not detail anything which stands in stark contrast to the detailed platform of Font. Obviously there will be those who are sentimental due to his past success but his very poor candidacy in 2015 will likely give many, including myself, pause. There have been 2 rumours (He did not mention either this morning however) apart from the board he proposes: 1) Messi confidence to continue & 2) A strong relationship with Raiola to facilitate a move for Haaland.
Me, I do not like candidates talking of signings, especially due to the current financial situation. He promised Beckham in 2003 (Ronaldinho was the backup) and Pogba in 2015 so in that regard he's a bit stereotypical as candidates go. He also had Abidal as his choice for SD in 2015 and we all know what a disaster he turned out to be. I think it underscores that it takes a collection of talents to make a successful board but you also have to be a great leader (Which neither Rosell nor Bartomeu were) and in this most believe in him. Plus, no one can question his Barcelonismo - he is blaugrana through & through. Those two facts alone make me pull for him despite Font, on paper, having a more competent/coherent Si Al Futur sporting plan for the future of the club coupled with innovative ideas to expand the social media & club infrastructure
Alexanco is the former head of La Masia that Rosell fired and Laporta has him on his team, this is a big sign but then Font has also included Benaiges & Vila (Also sacked by Rosell & Bartomeu) who were instrumental in La Masia's past success. Sporting Director is key and while Xavi and/or Puyol have been rumoured for Font, Laporta has secured Alemany to select the best SD for the job - perhaps a question of timing or candidates waiting for the dust to settle on who wins before committing but this position is fundamental. The thing is though, Font is an outsider who does not have either the charisma or history with the club - he is not a natural leader having worked with Sorriano & Ingla. In an ideal world the pair would have merged together but there's no question the Presidency will fall between Victor or Joan
There will be debates and here, it is hard to imagine Victor succeeding but his sporting plan is impressive. I fear intransigence going forward if we allow the club to be run again by corporatists which Victor feels like whereas Laporta I trust despite having been previously ill-prepared.
It will boil down, as well, to the Messi question as both the front runners will need to give the impression they can convince the player with their project to continue yet I doubt very much either will be foolish enough to insist they have his blessing as Leo would not want to be a pawn. Difference is though, Messi knows Laporta well and Brunati herself implied there is confidence to possibly continue with him should his plan convince. Big if
Laporta did say this with regards to continuity:
"Messi? Not a question of money. He was never guided by money. The best thing for him is to wait and see who the president will be. With a good proposal, he would choose Barça. He knows me...I hope we will arrive on time. Messi loves Barça. I'm sure he will give the club a chance"
There is also this that has been leaked by Eurosport Spain
Joan Laporta visited Messi at his house days before making his candidacy for the presidency of Barcelona official. The relationship between the former president, the player, his father and representative, is fluid.
His priority is to keep/continue with Messi and wanted first hand to know what his conditions were
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