Messi to Barcelona is ON - and wife Antonela played vital role

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 5 Jun 2023 13:27 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi wanted to return to Barcelona this summer, Jorge, the player’s agent and father has confirmed, throwing into doubt the player's signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Messi will be a free agent at the end of the month when his PSG contract expires, and momentum is quickly gaining to suggest a switch back to Barcelona is a possibility.

It has long been reported that the player’s priority is to return to Camp Nou, but his camp has been reticent to speak out on the possibility – until now.

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Speaking to the media, Jorge Messi, who has been in Barcelona speaking to club officials, including president Joan Laporta, admitted: “Leo wants to return to Barcelona and I would also like him to return. We hope Leo can return and it’s an option.

“Do I trust in Messi’s return? Yes. You will know soon.”

Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona are “very optimistic” a deal can be done.

While there is clearly a desire from all parties to broker a deal, the financial problems of the Camp Nou side threaten to scupper a move. However, reports from Spain suggest that these problems have been overcome, with Messi’s camp reportedly sent a guarantee by the club that opens the door to them negotiating a deal.

MORE: Ronaldo calls Messi to make Saudi Pro League move

Antonela ‘vital’ in Messi’s Barcelona return

Should Barcelona complete this remarkable comeback, it has been reported that they will have Messi’s partner Antonela Roccuzzo to thank for it.

According to Gerard Romero, the influence of Antonela has been “vital” in guiding Leo back towards the club where he holds the record for appearances, goals and assists.

Excitement is rapidly building in Barcelona over what is a quickly moving story, although it appears that Barca still need to thrash out a final agreement with LaLiga over how they can complete Messi’s transfer while remaining within the league’s FFP rules.