Barcelona appoint Joan Laporta as president for the second time

Joan Laporta has been appointed as Barcelona‘s president for the second time. 

Laporta, who was previously president of the Catalan club between 2003 and 2010, saw off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa. 

One of Laporta’s key priorities is to keep Lionel Messi at the club beyond this summer.  

Laporta received 57.69 per cent of the vote, with Font finishing second with 31.11 per cent. Freixa was third with 10.01 per cent. 

During his previous spell as president, Laporta oversaw an era of great success, with Barcelona winning two Champions Leagues as well as four LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey. 

There remains uncertainty over whether Messi will still be at Barcelona next season, with his contract expiring at the end of June. 

Laporta was president when Messi established himself as one of the world’s greatest stars and will be determined to keep the 33-year-old at the Nou Camp.