Barcelona CONFIRM Messi contact as LaLiga open door to transfer

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 1 Apr 2023 10:02 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have confirmed that they are in touch with Lionel Messi’s representatives over a potential return to the club from PSG.

Messi is out of contract at PSG in June and his future is currently unclear. The Ligue 1 side have made him a contract offer, while there has also been reported interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia, where his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo now plays.

However, Sergio Aguero, his great friend and a former Barcelona player, has admitted that he thinks Messi wants to return to Camp Nou.

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This could become a reality, with Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste admitting that there are talks with the entourage of the 35-year-old superstar.

Speaking to the media, he confirmed: “We have contacts with Messi. I would love for him to return. The beautiful stories in life must end well.

“Messi definitely loves Barcelona and the city, so we hope we can find the right conditions to continue his history here.”

MORE: Barcelona plot Lionel Messi return with clever contract offer

What's stopping Barcelona signing Messi?

The biggest impediment to Messi returning to the club is the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions that Barcelona face. LaLiga have indicated that they have to cut their wage bill by €200 million by the end of June if they are to register new players - including Messi.

However, reports from AS suggest that LaLiga president Javier Tebas is "crazy" about the idea of Messi returning to Spain as it would make the league a more attractive proposition to sponsors.

As such, it has been indicated that there could be some leeway given to all clubs in order to allow Barcelona to land Messi.

The World Cup winner is Barca's all-time leading scorer, having netted 672 times for the club in 778 appearances in all competitions between 2004 and 2021, when he departed because of the Catalans' financial problems.

It has been reported that Barcelona are ready to offer Messi a contract worth around €6-7 million per year - plus a cut of their marketing revenue - in order to return to the club.