Messi must be Barcelona´s Michael Jordan, says Farre

Lionel Messi must be the Michael Jordan of Barcelona, according to presidential candidate Jordi Farre.

Barcelona have been without an official president since Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned at the end of October ahead of an expected vote of no confidence.

The presidential election is scheduled to take place on January 24, and Farre is among the candidates, though Victor Font is the heavy favourite to win.

After Messi handed in a transfer request at the start of the season before opting to stay at Camp Nou, Farre outlined his long-term plans for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, highlighting NBA Hall of Famer and Chicago Bulls great Jordan.

“Doubting what Messi has given us is even in bad taste,” Farre told Esport3.

“Messi has to be offered a life project. We have to turn Messi into Barca’s Jordan.

“We are working to offer Messi a project in the institutional life of the club.”

Messi – out of contract at season’s end – continues to be linked with Premier League giants Manchester City.