Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June, and Barcelona has revealed that they are in discussion with the player about returning to the team.
Vice President Rafa Yuste reportedly told UK news outlet ESPN on Friday that the club was considering bringing back Messi, who left for PSG in 2021. Coach Xavi Hernandez later added that he hoped to see Messi return to Camp Nou.
“I am still gutted he couldn’t continue here,” Yuste said at a news conference. “Of course, I would like him to come back, because of what he represents on a sporting, social and economic level.
“We are in contact with them (Messi’s camp), yes. Beautiful stories should have happy endings, and there is a mutual love between the two parties.”
Messi, 35, left Catalonia two years ago after 20 years due to Barcelona’s inability to pay to extend his contract. The cost of any return this summer continues to be a barrier.
In order to be in compliance with LaLiga’s financial rules and be able to sign players and register contract renewals, Barca needs to reduce their annual spending by more than €150 million or earn money through transfers.
“We still have two months to work hard to present our revenue and sustainability plan to (LaLiga president Javier) Tebas,” Yuste added when asked whether bringing Messi back was really possible.
“I don’t like to speak about Leo because he is a PSG player, but if all the conditions are met, we are open to the possibility. (Barca) president (Joan Laporta) has been with Leo’s father, and there is a good relationship.
“Of course, there is no plan to go on the attack because we don’t want PSG to see it like that. If it happens, it will be because destiny takes you back to where you have to go. If all the conditions come together and Leo comes back to Barcelona, it would be the perfect ending to a very happy story.”
The Argentine forward’s future plans were more important to Messi than money, according to Barca coach Xavi, who played with Messi.
“There is the fair play issue, but more than anything it depends on Leo’s intentions and (if he wants) to come back,” ESPN quoted him as saying during a news conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Elche.
