Lionel Messi's future Barcelona jersey number revealed

Suraj Radia

• 8 May 2023 17:38 BST
• 2 min read

Lionel Messi has outlined some of the conditions he wants satisfied were he to make a sensational return to Barcelona this summer after returning to training with Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi was suspended by PSG for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia and missed the win over Troyes but he has since made a public apology and has consequently had his two-week suspension cut short.

In spite of his apology, the Argentine is still expected to leave PSG when his contract expires in the summer and Barcelona are desperate to bring Messi back to the club he left in 2021.

SORRY: Messi apologises for PSG drama

However, Barca have been limited in their spending by La Liga, having been told they must lower their wage bill and bring in €200 million from player sales before they can register any new signings.

Barca are still looking to convince Messi to join despite the fears over the affordability but reports in Spain claim that the 35-year-old will only join the club on two conditions.

AS state that Messi only will only consider a contract pre-approved by La Liga and he also wants a guarantee that he will be given his number ten shirt back, which is currently being worn by Ansu Fati.

Fati and Messi both facing uncertain futures

Fati himself is facing an uncertain future at Barca irrespective of Messi’s arrival, with injuries and consistency issues prompting the club to see him as a sellable asset despite his desire to stay with his boyhood side.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with Fati but Wolves have also emerged as shock contenders for his signature, with long-term Barca target Ruben Neves being touted as an exchange piece in any deal.

Messi, meanwhile, is believed to be considering an astonishing contract from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal that could see him earn more than €300m a year, an offer he is suggested to have already accepted if Barca cannot meet his demands.

DONE DEAL: Messi accepts Al-Hilal offer

MLS side Inter Miami have also been credited with making an approach for Messi but their offer is believed to be significantly smaller and the forward’s preference is to stay in Europe, giving Barca the advantage if they can agree a deal with La Liga as well as the player.