Messi won’t return to Barcelona until 2023 at the earliest

FT Desk

Updated: 24 Apr 2022 16:43 BST
3 min read

Lionel Messi will not be returning to Barcelona this summer, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo.

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The Spanish daily claims on Wednesday that Messi has no intention of quitting PSG after just a year and wants to see out his contract in Paris.

In 2023, when Messi’s deal expires, he would be interested in returning to Barcelona if a deal is possible.

Messi completed a shock Bosman Transfer to PSG last summer after he was unable for legal and financial reasons to sign a new contract with Barcelona.

The Argentine legend broke every record possible during over two decades at Barca, including scoring an incredible 672 goals in 778 games.

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However, Messi has been heavily criticised by fans and the media following a difficult first season at the Parc des Princes.

It took him until November 20 to score his first Ligue 1 goal and by the middle of April he had scored just three Ligue 1 goals.

Messi was also hammered by fans and the media as PSG were dumped out of the Champions League last-16 in March – capitulating from 2-0 up on aggregate to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid.

© ProShots - Messi was blamed after Champions League exit

Messi – along with teammate Neymar – was booed by PSG fans in the following game against Bordeaux.

But despite constant rumours that Messi wants to return to Barcelona – as well as a public call from Dani Alves for his former teammate to come back – the Argentine has no intention to do so yet.

Indeed, it is reported that Messi is determined to try and bring PSG their much-wanted Champions League title next season.