Barcelona has conrmed that they are in talks with Lionel Messi about bringing him back to the club when his contract with PSG expires in June.
Vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed on Friday that the club is considering re-signing Messi, who left for PSG in 2021, with coach Xavi Hernandez later adding that he hopes to see the Argentine back at Camp Nou.
Messi, 35, left Barcelona two years ago after spending two decades there because the club could not afford to renew his contract. The financial aspect of any return this summer remains an impediment. To comply with La Liga’s economic regulations and be able to sign players and register contract renewals, Barcelona must cut more than €150 million from their annual spending or raise money through transfers.
“Leo and his family know the affection we have for them,” the club’s vice-president explained on Friday. “I participated in the [contract] negotiations that in the end did not come to fruition unfortunately and I still have that thorn in my side. Of course I would love to see him return and I am sure that many fans share my feeling.
“I believe beautiful stories in life have to have happy endings and that’s why we are in contact with Messi, of course. When you’re in love with a person, you lose contact but you want to continue being in love and I think Leo is also in love with Barca and the city of Barcelona. I think fate will make it possible. Let’s see if we can have Leo back in Barcelona.”
What’s set to be a major stumbling block in the move is Barcelona’s financial predicament. LaLiga president Javier Tebas recently told the club they›ll need to reduce their spending by around €150million (£131.9m) in order to sign new players and comply with the league›s economic restrictions this summer.
Barca coach Xavi, who played alongside Messi, said it depends more on what the Argentina forward wants to do next than money, with a renewal at PSG and a move to Major League Soccer other possibilities.
“There is the fair play issue, but more than anything it depends on Leo’s intentions and [if he wants] to come back,” he said in a news conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Elche.
“A lot of conditions have to fall into place for it to happen. He’s won everything in the game, and it will depend on his happiness. If he wants to come back, if that’s his intention, we will speak about it.