Football: Getting Messi to 'smile again' key to Barca success - Laporta

Former Barcelona president and current presidency candidate, Joan Laporta, held his last press conference in his campaign for reelection in Barcelona on Thursday. "Leo (Messi) I think we must get him to smile again. If we can achieve that then we can aspire to win everything," said Laporta, in a clear message to the Argentine star. "For Messi to smile again he must be convinced that the team can be back winning Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, Super Cups and Club World Cups," he added. Laporta praised Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, for the work he's doing in motivating the side to get back to winning ways as Barcelona moved to five points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid with a win over Elche on Wednesday. "We must cheer for him. Cheer and motivate him. So he can gain self-confidence and score goals again ... I will tell him that in French if necessary. No problem," said Laporta, when asked about Antoine Griezmann's lack of consistency in form. Barcelona's presidential elections are set for March 7th and Laporta is the favourite over the other two candidates, Victor Font and Toni Freixa.