FC Barcelona are studying the possibility of bringing Lionel Messi back next year, sources have confirmed to 90min.
Messi emotionally left Barcelona in 2021 after 17 seasons and almost 800 games after financial problems prevented FC Barcelona from giving him a new contract. He then moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
His first year in the French capital was one of the most lackluster of his career, but this season he appears to be returning to his best form, leading many Barça fans to hope he will return to his youth club after all.
Messi’s current contract expires at the end of the season but includes an option to extend it for another year.
Sources close to Messi have confirmed to 90min that no decision has been made about his future – be it leaving PSG, returning to Barça or going elsewhere. As with so many players, Messi’s focus is on the World Cup in Qatar as the 35-year-old likely has just one last chance to win football’s biggest title.
While Messi would be 36 when he returns to Barcelona at the end of the season, he would still be one of the club’s highest-paid players if he were to move. Although there are many financial issues to be resolved, Barcelona are confident an agreement could be reached.
As 90min learned, FC Barcelona is currently discussing how it could finance such a transfer. You’re looking at different ways to close a deal – it’s not just a pure “cash deal” – there are a number of options you’ll want to pursue.
It is understood in Barcelona that Messi actually wants to return, which would make negotiations easier. But he insists he won’t make his decision until after the World Cup.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as FC Barcelona consider Lionel Messi’s return campaign.
