How Barcelona could line up with Messi next season
Karan Tejwani
- 2 Aug 2022 15:06 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are eager to bring back Lionel Messi next year, with just one year remaining on his current contract at French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine is Barcelona’s greatest-ever player having scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club, first playing for them in a senior match in 2004.
He won six Ballons d’Or while at the club and also contributed to multiple league and Champions League wins, establishing himself as one of the all-time greats.
Barcelona, though, feel they can give him a better end to his tenure than the last time, and they want to bring him back next season.
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Should they be able to get him back, how will they line up with him in the squad next season after a summer of big outlay?
How would Barcelona line up with Messi?
In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen should continue, with Xavi confirming his confidence in the German goalkeeper and refusing to sell him on this summer.
Full-backs are probably where they need the most strengthening, as Sergino Dest is not the best, while Jordi Alba is ageing, however, can still perform at a high level and paired well with Messi.
In the middle, the duo of Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo is one of high potential, and should be the partnership that sees them through for the next few years.
In midfield, there is a mix of youth and experience, with the brilliant young talents of Pedri and Gavi being paired with Sergio Busquets, who might be in his final years in the game.
Pure Lionel Messi madness! 😳🤩
🔟 years ago today, he waltzed through Real Madrid's defence in their own back yard! 🔥
Arguably the greatest-ever Champions League solo goal! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/60O14jLP0k— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 27, 2021
Up front, there will be the biggest change, as Messi takes his position on the right wing, perhaps keeping players like Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele out of the squad.
Robert Lewandowski should continue as the number nine, with a belief that he’ll spearhead the attack and form a fine partnership with Messi.
And on the left, Barcelona will be hoping Ansu Fati can put his injury troubles behind him to work on his potential and be a star down that side.
The side still has plenty of quality depth in the form of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and others who could be signed between now and the next year.
