Jorge Messi makes BRUTAL confession about Barcelona return

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 6 Jun 2023 09:36 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge Messi has confessed that he doesn’t believe his son will return to Barcelona this summer.

Jorge Messi met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday to discuss a potential return, though no offer was made.

But it seems that the chances of Barca being able to sign Leo are slim.

What did Jorge Messi say?

"I don't think it will happen. A lot of things have to happen," Jorge Messi is quoted as saying.

The issue that is stopping Barcelona from signing Messi currently is their dire financial situation.

For the transfer to go through, La Liga need to approve Barcelona’s so-called ‘Viability Plan’ but the Blaugrana then have to execute it by raising cash through the sale of some big players such as Ansu Fati and Raphinha.

The chances of this happening in a timely fashion are low, as Jorge Messi hinted at.

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As it stands, a free transfer to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia appears more likely.

Messi has been a confirmed target for Al-Hilal for several weeks and has been in negotiations over joining them on a free transfer.

It has been reported that Al-Hilal have offered Messi a contract in the region of €400-600 million a year.

Messi is certain to leave PSG at the end of the month when his contract expires.

A return to Barcelona is believed to be Messi’s preference but for financial reasons, a transfer to Saudi Arabia is far more likely.