Fabrizio Romano provides update on PSG attacker Lionel Messi's potential Barcelona return
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi will not return to Barcelona this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Argentina international put an end to his 21-year association with the Blaugrana last summer, joining PSG on a free transfer. Barcelona and Messi were keen to extend their partnership, but were forced to go the opposite way due to the club's financial constraints.
Messi signed for the Parisians with a view to opening a new chapter. However, the 34-year-old's time with Mauricio Pochettino's side has been turbulent so far. Fitness issues have marred the player's debut season in France.
Many have deemed the forward's PSG stint to be underwhelming so far. Messi has thus been linked with a return to Barcelona despite having a contract with the Ligue 1 giants until the end of next season.
Romano, though, has ruled out the possibility of the Argentinean rejoining the Blaugrana this summer. The Italian journalist revealed that there is nothing to suggest that a Camp Nou return is on the cards for the superstar. He said on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel:
"At the moment, there is still nothing, to be honest, but, let's see. I don't see him coming back [to Barcelona] this summer. I agree [he is anonymous on the field in France]."
.@FabrizioRomano: "I do not see Messi returning to Barcelona this summer, but let's see." https://t.co/SQbEdczNRY
The 34-year-old has found the back of the net seven times in 25 matches across all competitions for Pochettino's side this term. He has also provided 11 assists for his team-mates in the process.
However, there have been suggestions that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is unhappy in Paris. According to reports, Messi thus could not be at the Ligue 1 club to see out his contract, which expires in the summer of 2023.
PSG's Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona in 2023 for one season
According to reports, the Argentinean's entourage has ruled out the possibility of a Camp Nou return this year. However, the Blaugrana could re-sign him at the end of the 2022-23 season when his contract with PSG expires.
💥💥 L'OPCIÓ D'UN RETORN DE MESSI AL BARÇA SERIA A L'ESTIU DEL 2023
🗣 "L'entorn de Messi em descarta que pugui arribar aquest estiu del 2022"
🗣 "L'estiu del 2023, Messi podria anar una última temporada al Barça abans d'anar als USA"
Ho explica @SebaQuadrelli a #laporteria https://t.co/UOKkyh54Y6
The 34-year-old, though, has been tipped to spend just one season with the La Liga giants. As per the report, he will eventually move to Major League Soccer (MLS).
Inter Miami CF have been linked with a move for the PSG superstar. The MLS outfit, who are co-owned by David Beckham, is reportedly keen to take him to the United States.