The conditions for Messi returning to Barcelona next summer

FT Desk

• 27 Sept 2022 13:25 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi can return to Barcelona next summer only if he agrees a significant wage cut, according to Marca.

Messi currently earns €40.5 million per season at PSG and this is a figure that will have to be at least halved if he was to come back to Camp Nou.

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The 35-year-old’s relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been repaired, according to Marca, while Xavi has made it clear he wants him back, too.

Messi’s contract at Parc des Princes expires at the end of the current season and he is yet to agree on a new one, although he does possess an option to extend his deal by a further year.

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Messi completed a shock Free Transfer to PSG last summer after he was unable to sign a new contract with Barcelona.

The Argentine legend broke virtually every record during over 20 years at Camp Nou, scoring an incredible 672 goals in 778 games.

But Barcelona were unable to sign him to a new deal – mainly for financial reasons - leading to an infamous farewell press conference in which Messi broke down and cried.

Ever since, Messi has been repeatedly linked with a return to Barcelona and both president Laporta and Xavi have done little to play down talk of a return.

READ MORE: How much does Lionel Messi earn and what is the football legend’s net worth?

Messi endured a difficult first season in Paris, scoring just four Ligue 1 goals all campaign and performing poorly as PSG were dumped out of the Champions League – capitulating from 2-0 up on aggregate to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid in the last-16.

However, he has been in fine form so far this campaign, already registering six goals and eight assists.