Barcelona are pushing to bring 35-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou.
According to a report by 90min, Barcelona are confident about a possible return of their club legend Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward’s current contract at PSG ends in the summer and there is a possibility of him returning to the Catalan giants.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is eager to bring the star forward back to the club. According to the reports, Laporta recently met Messi’s father, Jorge. The duo spoke about Messi’s future and even discussed a possible return of the 35-year-old to Camp Nou.
The 2022 World Cup winner was forced to leave Barcelona in the summer of 2021. La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules did not allow the Catalan giants to register their star, and he was forced to look for an option elsewhere. That is when PSG entered the thick of things and offered him a deal, he could not refuse.
In the last two years, Messie has featured in 61 matches for the French club and has been directly involved in 56 goals. His first season away from Barcelona was a real tough one, but he has managed to get things back on track in the ongoing season. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has 30 goal contributions in 27 matches in the current campaign.
Messi was on fire at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite being 35 years old he made sure that Argentina’s wait for the ultimate prize in world football ended. The former Barcelona captain led his team to victory in the World Cup final against a quality France team.
Meanwhile, his contract at PSG is set to expire in the summer. He does have the option to extend it by 12 months. The 35-year-old can also sign a new contract in the coming months. But with the ball in his court, Barcelona are confident that they can convince him to return to the club.
The Barcelona manager Xavi has publicly talked about working with his friend Messi. Xavi said, “I’ve already said that this is his home and the doors are open to him, he’s a friend, we’re in constant contact. It will depend on him, on what he wants to do in his future. This is his home, there is no doubt. The best footballer in history would always fit in.”
Messi’s return will once again give the Spanish giants an x-factor. They have managed to bounce back in La Liga, and his arrival will boost their chances in the Champions League next season.
However, it will not be an easy task for the Catalan giants. PSG will give it their all to convince the World Cup winner to stay at the club. While he will also receive offers from Major League Soccer. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see where Messi ends up ahead of next season.