There is renewed optimism over Lionel Messi and a potential return to Barcelona at the end of the season. His contract with PSG runs out in June, and he hasn’t made much progress in renewing with the French side.
Even after the World Cup, there was a verbal agreement between him and the club to continue further. But it now seems that progress has stalled between the two parties, and there is a real chance that he could leave the club as a free agent.
Lionel Messi considering return to Barcelona in the summer
According to reports from Spain, the player was initially not considering a return to Barcelona because of the way his exit was handled. But, things have changed now and there is a good chance that we could see the Argentine back at the club where he achieved most of his glory.
However, it will be quite difficult for the club to carry out the operation in terms of finances. They have been handed a wage bill that will require a reduction of €200 million. And given the fact that they still need to register Gavi and Ronald Araujo’s new contracts, having Lionel Messi back on their books could be too much for the club this summer.
Messi has received offers from the MLS, as well as Saudi Arabia. But he has snubbed them in favour of a stay in Europe, to compete at the highest level.
Senior Barcelona players have said that they would be open to taking another pay cut if Messi were to return. But actually carrying out the operation while following La Liga regulations will be the interesting part to see this summer.