‘Leo will not play for Barcelona again’ claims Messi’s father after PSG talks stall

Suraj Radia

• 16 Feb 2023 18:47 GMT
• 2 min read

Lionel Messi will not be making a sensational return to Barcelona this summer despite negotiations stalling over a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, according to his father.

The 35-year-old is out of contract with PSG at the end of the season and, despite initial reports that Messi was set to extend his deal in Paris, a compromise has yet to be reached after talks this week.

COME HOME!: 'Barca are better with Messi' claims Jordi Alba

Barca have openly courted Messi since his acrimonious departure in 2021 and president Joan Laporta insisted the club would attempt to bring the forward back despite their financial issues.

However, Messi’s father returned to Barcelona after failed talks with PSG and told reporters that a return to Barcelona was not on the cards despite the lack of clarity over his son’s future.

"I don't think Leo will play for Barça again. The conditions are not met. We have not spoken with Laporta and there is no offer,” Jorge Messi told Catalan outlet SPORT.

“Impossible? No idea, I don’t know if it will be impossible. We didn’t even speak with Laporta, stop. Leo’s under contract with PSG.”

What does the future hold for Messi?

Messi reportedly has opted against renewing the lease on his home in Paris, which also expires this summer and is believed to be unwilling to extend his stay with PSG.

The Ligue 1 side are reported by SPORT to have offered Messi a new one-year deal on reduced terms in order to avoid financial fair play issues, something which the player is not keen on.

TIME TO GO: 'Disillusioned' Messi set to leave PSG

However, Messi is thought to be disillusioned in Paris and, while PSG will continue to negotiate, the World Cup winner is likely to assess his options when he becomes a free agent in June.

Reports in France claim that Messi is likely to move to Los Angeles FC where he would become the highest-paid player in MLS history, although offers from Barca and other clubs are likely to be considered even if a move is unlikely.