Pique's retirement opens door for Messi's Barcelona return
Cameron Smith
- 4 Nov 2022 12:48 GMT
- 3 min read
Gerard Pique's decision to retire from football could lead to Lionel Messi making a sensational return to Barcelona.
Messi, 35, left Barcelona on a free transfer to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 as the Blaugrana's financial situation meant they weren't able to renew his contract due to La Liga's wage cap.
However, since leaving Barcelona for Paris, rumours have constantly linked Messi with a return to Camp Nou. The Argentine struggled for form during the early stages of his PSG career, but has started the 2022/23 season in excellent fashion - grabbing 12 goals and 14 assists in 18 games in all competitions so far.
But, while his career at PSG is going well, the door to a return to Barcelona has been opened by his former team-mate Pique.
Pique posted a video on social media to reveal his final game for Barcelona will come at Camp Nou against Almeria on Friday night.
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The Barcelona legend still has more than 18 months to run on his contract but has seen his form decline, along with a host of issues in his personal life and has decided his Barcelona career will end imminently.
Reports suggest that he will be available for selection in Barcelona's final game before the World Cup against Osasuna, while it remains to be seen whether he's selected in Spain's squad for Qatar after making the initial 55-man team.
READ: Pique set for shock retirement after final match in Barcelona this weekend
However, while Pique ended the aforementioned video with a message saying: "I'll be back," it seems as though his time at Barcelona is over for now.
How Pique's retirement could lead to Messi's Barcelona return
Messi's current deal at PSG is set to expire next summer, but the Parisians do have the option to extend this contract until 2024, something they are keen to agree with the player.
However, Barcelona are still sniffing, with the Blaugrana desperate to re-sign Messi in their bid to return to past glories.
Although financial issues are still present at Camp Nou, Pique's retirement has freed up some funds for a potential move for Messi.
READ: Pique retires a Barcelona legend with one final gesture
That is because Pique is set to terminate the lucrative contract he's currently on at Barcelona, which will save the club millions. Barcelona were due to pay Pique roughly €29.5 million this season but reports have claimed that he will forego the remainder of that salary until June.
The club vice-captain is still due to earn a staggering €40.8m next season and it remains to be seen how that will be handled, but the decision to waive this year’s salary will undoubtedly aid Barcelona’s financial crisis, and could lead to a move for Messi.
