REVEALED: Barcelona’s plan to re-sign Lionel Messi

Robin Bairner

27 Feb 2025 02:50 CST
4 min read

Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Lionel Messi is ready to make a sensational return to Barcelona, with the Spanish giants “working hard” on the return of the Argentine.

Messi departed Barcelona in the summer of 2021 amidst a flood of tears, moving on a free transfer to PSG as it became evident that the Camp Nou club could no longer afford him.

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Current ETV

Lionel Messi

F, AM (R)

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

F, AM (R)

Inter Miami

ETV Range

€10.3M - €12.6M

He had built a timeless legacy at Barca, where he played for one of the best club sides ever and produced a string of remarkable individual records. Remarkably, his shirt continues to be a best-seller at the club shop even years after his departure.

Now Messi, at the age of 37, is desperate to return to Barcelona, with the Catalan club seeking to complete a stunning deal that could see the Inter Miami attacker return for the opening of the renovated Camp Nou.

Three out to make way for Messi

Barcelona are willing to sacrifice three current first-team stars in order for Messi to re-join the club: Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.

This trio of players have already been touted for sales and are required to free up space on the payroll and also generate the income needed to bring Messi back.

The Argentine clearly wants to return, but Inter Miami are naturally reticent to give up their main attraction even via a loan. It is claimed that if they are to agree to Messi’s dream deal, they want him to extend until 2027 in return.

For Barcelona’s part, meanwhile, they see the return of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as a huge commercial and sporting opportunity.

Messi will be 38 by the time next season starts, yet Barca believe that he is still operating at a level that will allow him to make the difference for them on the field.

He has scored 36 goals in 42 matches with Inter Miami and has generated 20 assists in that time while he leads Barcelona all-time in goals, assists and appearances.