Joan Laporta has been elected the new president of Barcelona, returning to the post he previously held from 2003 to 2010.

Laporta was voted into power on Sunday ahead of rival candidates Victor Font and Toni Freixa.

Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were among those to vote.

"I want to thank all the members for coming out to vote what has been the most important election in the club's history due to [the effects of] the coronavirus pandemic, which has changed our lives," Laporta said in a brief speech.

"I want to thank the members that have supported our campaign. This has been a celebration of democracy and of Barcelona. I also want to pay special thanks to Johan Cruyff, who's no longer with us. I am sure he's helped us.

"Barcelona is a huge family and we will overcome the difficulties together. We will achieve the objectives that we have set out."

Laporta said the fact that Messi voted on Sunday was "significant."

"Today, 20 years ago, Messi made his debut for Barca's youth teams," he added. "To see the best player in the world, the player in the history of football, coming to vote, is a sign of what we have said throughout the campaign: that Messi loves Barca.

"The best player in the world loves Barca and that is very significant. We're going to encourage him to continue with the club, which is what we all want."