Lionel Messi will return to Barcelona this summer after a two-year absence. Catalunya Radio reports that the Argentine has told current Barça manager and former teammate Xavi that he would love to return to the club. Prior to Xavi taking over, the club had to let their talismanic No.10 leave on a free transfer in 2021 after failing to meet La Liga’s financial requirements to register the star.
Lionel Messi set for sensational Barcelona return after talks with Xavi
Messi moved to Barcelona from South America as a 13-year-old to pursue a football career, and after rising through the ranks at La Masia, he won everything in the domestic game. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain, he has won a seventh Ballon d’Or and lifted the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar last year.
There have been widespread rumors that Major League Soccer could tempt Messi away from Europe, but with an emotional attachment to Barcelona, the prospect of returning to the Blaugrana has reportedly always appealed to Messi and his family.
Given the club’s current state of flux, extending his contract at PSG appears unlikely. Messi has the option of extending his contract with PSG for a third year if he so desires.
