Lionel Messi has been primed with a move away from PSG for a couple of months now. The saga started right after Messi won the World Cup and the Golden Ball in Qatar.
The Argentine is yet to put pen to paper on a contract renewal with PSG as he looks for a new club. One of the teams that are in a pole position to sign Messi is his former club, FC Barcelona.
Messi represented Barcelona for 17 years before moving to PSG in 2021. This was due to Barcelona’s debt situation and La Liga’s financial rules not allowing them to renew Messi’s contract. But the Catalan club has now emerged as the favorite to land their superstar of yesteryears. If the reports are to be believed, Messi has made up his mind to move on from PSG and is open to a comeback to Camp Nou.
Barcelona is in talks with soccer icon Lionel Messi about returning to the club after leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Follow @wedailybrief #Messi #FCBarcelona #Spain #football #soccer #PSG #Argentina #worldcup #footballtransfer #wedailybrief pic.twitter.com/3z20r3iL07
— Daily Brief (@wedailybrief) April 1, 2023
Messi was spotted with his ex-teammates from Barcelona recently which raised speculation about a return. It was also reported that Messi has been in contact with his former teammate and current Barcelona manager, Xavi.
Messi had previously talked about ending his career in Argentina but the recent attack on his family might make him think the other way. This could turn his head towards his home away from home, Barcelona, where he could go to have a last dance.
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona return terms still not set
While Messi has stalled renewal talks with PSG, FC Barcelona are looking for ways to re-sign the World Cup winner. Barcelona’s Vice President, Rafa Yuste, recently opened up about being in contact with Lionel Messi.
“We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp. Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I’d love for him to come back”, said Rafa Yuste.
Barça vice president Rafa Yuste: “We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp. Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I’d love for him to come back” 🔵🔴 #FCB
“For sure Messi loves Barça and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here”. pic.twitter.com/bUOqNUlQLs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 31, 2023
He further talked about the club finding ways to allow the star to make a sensational return to the club. But he also mentioned that even though Messi loves Barcelona, the right terms haven’t still been set for a return.
He said: “For sure Messi loves Barça and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here”.
These developments have put the ball in Barcelona’s court regarding signing Messi. A bunch of other non-European clubs such as Inter Miami and Al-Hilal would keenly be looking at Messi’s situation. Al-Hilal had reportedly offered Messi a contract that would have made him the highest-earning player. However, we have to wait and watch how this saga unfolds.