FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta have confirmed their intention to bring Lionel Messi back after the end of the current season amid speculation linking the Argentine with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after his contract with the La Liga side had expired. Messi has since been plying his trade for PSG but his current deal with the French behemoths expires at the end of the current campaign.
Lionel Messi and PSG have not yet reached an agreement that would see the 35-year-old extend his stay at the French capital. He has been linked with an exit from PSG after the 22/23 season, and Barcelona, Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia have all been mooted as potential next destination.
Fabrizio Romano reports that FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told Jijantes FC that they will do everything they can to bring back Lionel Messi to the club.
Joan Laporta: Barcelona will do everything they can to bring Lionel Messi back
“We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona,” Joan Laporta told Jijantes FC, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Further speaking on a potential deal to bring back Lionel Messi, Joan Laporta told RAC1 [via Barca Universal]: “Messi deal? We will discuss about that, yes. We are working to have the possibility to build a very competitive team next season. We’ll see if they will approve our viability plan.
“I spoke with Leo Messi about the situation that happened. We sent each other text messages. We have a relationship.
“Messi plays for Paris, and there has been some unpleasant situations with the fans. I don’t want to bother him. We exchanged messages recently. He respects the club, and nobody doubts that.
“Barça is Barça, and this is Leo Messi’s home. Barcelona can compete with Saudi Arabia and everywhere else.”
Barcelona will have to work out a viable financial plan if they want to bring Lionel Messi back to the club.
It remains to be seen who Lionel Messi will be plying his trade for come the start of the next season. Will the Argentine attacker extend his stay at PSG beyond the current campaign. If not, where will he head to? Only time will tell.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, will now be aiming to aid PSG to Ligue 1 title victory this season.
