Messi wants Barcelona return but there’s a HUGE obstacle

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 5 Jun 2023 06:17 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi still has high hopes of making a return to Barcelona - but there’s an issue.

The superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain next month and he is looking for another club to sign to.

Revelo reports that a Saudi Arabia delegation travelled to Paris at night to try to close the signing of Messi- they hope to secure the move in the next 48 hours. Also, MLS side Inter Miami is also pushing hard, but Messi still hopes that Barcelona can come back in for him.

READ MORE: Messi’s new club ready to make official announcement

Barcelona are confident their financial plans will be approved within days by La Liga, but they are still trying to get everything signed off.

Gavi and Araujo remain among the club’s top priorities as well as getting fresh terms for breakout defender Alejandro Balde.

But high on the agenda, too, is bringing Messi back to Catalonia. The club have been in talks with Messi and his side and they are confident that they can confirm the signing.

Xavi on Messi

Manager Xavi said to Mundo Deportivo.: "Leo Messi will decide his future next week. He has 100% my OK to join us.

"He knows we're ready to welcome him. Nothing has changed, we have chances. We want Leo here. Let him decide. I'm ready to include him in our system."

Xavi also made the claim that Barca’s interest in Bernardo Silva and Joshua Kimmich may be dependent on Messi.

Messi’s departure from PSG after two seasons at Parc des Princes was confirmed on Saturday before PSG’s shock 3-2 loss at home against Clermont – a match that the World Cup winner struggled to influence.

MORE: Messi, Tielemans, De Gea and the best players available on free transfers this summer