I am here to convince Leo to carry on - Joan Laporta

Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta revealed his first priority during his inauguration at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

During his speech, Laporta made a direct plea to world best Lionel Messi saying he is back as president in order to convince the Argentine to continue at the club.

Messi is in the final year of his contract with Barcelona and there have been suggestions he will be leaving at the end of the season with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain his likely destinations.

"In our first spell we had the best players in Barca history, but if we were successful it was because we had stability," Laporta said.

"It is Barcelona's unity which gives you stability and I invite everyone at Barcelona to think about what they can do for Barca. 

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"I am here to make decisions, like convincing Leo to carry on, taking advantage of the fact that he is here. He knows that.

"You know the affection I hold for you and we will do whatever it takes to keep you here. You know you cannot leave, Leo.

"We will not be able to do it alone. As our anthem says, we are strong all together. More so in these most difficult times. We know how to do it.

"When the pandemic is over our revenue will return. That will be fixed. There will be strong leadership, because I am well-accompanied. We will make decisions. To defend the club you have to live and breathe it and we do that as much as possible."