Messi ‘in talks to return to Barcelona’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 7 Mar 2023 12:57 GMT
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi is in talks over a return to Barcelona this summer, according to Diario AS.

It is no secret that the Blaugrana wish to bring back the Argentine legend to Camp Nou, with both manager Xavi and president Joan Laporta having publicly confirmed their intentions earlier this season.

However, until now, it had seemed more likely that Messi would sign a new contract at PSG.

Lionel Messi at PSG: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022-23

This has now changed, according to AS, as Messi has opened talks with Barcelona to return.

Negotiations won’t be easy as Messi left the club not on the best terms back in 2021.

Foot Mercato recently reported also that Messi is “leaning towards” leaving PSG having grown disillusioned at the club in recent months.

Messi’s contract at PSG expires at the end of the current season, with the Parisians currently in negotiations to renew his deal.

It had been expected that Messi would pen a renewal, despite interest from former club Barcelona and MLS side Inter Miami.

However, we are now in March and still Messi has not penned an extension.

The outcome of PSG’s Champions League last-16 clash with Bayern Munich could play a role in swaying Messi.

PSG are trailing 1-0 from the first leg ahead of the return in Germany this week.

Another disappointing Champions League exit and Messi’s future would be scrutinised even more.

Messi departure from Barcelona

Messi completed a shock Free Transfer to PSG in the summer of 2021 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.

He endured a difficult first season at PSG with just six Ligue 1 goals but has been back to his best this campaign.

Messi has been back to something close to his best in 2022-23. He has 18 goals and 16 assists in all competitions so far for PSG and he also led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

The Argentine was also crowned player of the year at the FIFA Best ceremony in Paris at the end of February.