Joan Laporta’s Lionel Messi mission is out of his control as Barcelona head to Paris Saint-Germain

“It was very nice seeing Messi go and vote,” Joan Laporta mentioned on Monday after securing his second stint as Barcelona president.

With Lionel Messi’s future on the prime of his in-tray, Laporta is a person on a mission. The courting started throughout the campaigning, and now that he’s again in cost the 58-year-old is aware of an important three months lies forward as he appears to influence the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to remain.

Whether or not Messi’s thoughts is made up or not, solely he and his shut circle will know, however as long as the uncertainty stays then so too will Laporta make his presence felt.

And so, to the French capital. Paris Saint-Germain are one of many few golf equipment able to affording Messi this summer time, and in a single foul swoop on Wednesday night time they may knock Barca out of the Champions League and placed on a present that lures the 33-year-old somewhat nearer to their grasp.

That, maybe, is among the the explanation why Laporta is travelling to Paris too; to shadow Messi and guarantee no pre-contract papers are slipped below doorways or dressed up as one thing to autograph.

There’s additionally the small matter of seeing whether or not this Barca staff can full La Remontada II in what will probably be Laporta’s first match again within the massive seat.

The percentages are firmly stacked towards one other comeback. Turning round a 4-1 Champions League deficit towards PSG for the second time in 4 years is a tough process, made tougher by the actual fact this time it’s away from dwelling. No 96-odd thousand followers on the Nou Camp to assist suck the ball in, quite an empty Parc des Princes towards a aspect who took one step nearer final 12 months to lastly touchdown Europe’s most coveted prize.

4 targets with out reply is the intention for Barca, however a extra reasonable goal can be to place in the kind of efficiency that convinces Messi that it’s price staying on the membership.

To win in Paris however nonetheless get knocked out may nonetheless persuade Messi this staff are able to going locations below new management. To win in Paris and undergo would do this much more so. However to lose and see that three-goal margin lengthen to 4, 5 – 6, after which the Argentine could possibly be asking questions on whether or not this staff can realistically problem for the Champions League within the years earlier than he retires.

Laporta is aware of this too, and whereas he could have a summer time imaginative and prescient which entails Messi extending his contract and a handful of signings becoming a member of him to mark a brand new daybreak, it’s nights like Wednesday which can be out of his management.

All Laporta can do is watch on from the stands and hope that this isn’t too damaging of an evening meaning Messi’s thoughts will probably be made up.

The result of this tie could also be all-but determined, however there’s nonetheless loads to play for when Barca play PSG.