David Beckham is Barcelona’s secret weapon in Messi transfer battle

Robin Bairner

• 31 May 2023 11:46 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are ready to use former Real Madrid player David Beckham as an unlikely ally in their battle to secure the return of Lionel Messi from PSG.

Messi is out of contract at the end of the season and will leave the club as a free agent when his deal expires in June.

Barcelona’s greatest difficulty in re-signing the World Cup winner is their difficult financial position, which the Saudi Pro League is attempting to take advantage of.

MORE: Barcelona to SELL wonderkid to finance Messi return

According to reports, Messi could sign a deal worth €1 billion over two years with Al-Hilal, which naturally puts the Catalans on the back foot, particularly as the player’s father, Jorge, is reportedly pushing for his son to accept that deal.

Equally, though, the desire of the 35-year-old is to return to Barcelona, who are doing everything they can to make the plan financially viable.

As well as potentially selling off Ansu Fatu, Barca could strike a deal with Beckham to act as leverage.

Heartening for the Camp Nou side as they continue to chase Messi are the reports that the player is still reticent to move his family to Saudi Arabia, despite the riches on offer to him.

MORE: Barcelona make a FORTUNE from Messi transfer

Sign for Inter Miami, loan to Barcelona?

L’Equipe reports that Barcelona are working with Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami on a contract that could help alleviate the Catalans’ financial issues.

This would be achieved by Messi signing a contract with Inter Miami before joining Barcelona on loan for six or 18 months. For the player, this would allow him to keep playing his club football at a high level before the 2024 Copa America.

Talks have previously been held on this subject but were initially ruled out. With Barca still ailing financially and facing difficulties in getting the deal over the line, it is being increasingly considered a credible solution to the problem.