Barcelona ready to go all out to sign Lionel Messi from PSG in the summer - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to do all it takes to re-sign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer. The Argentine icon's contract at the Parc des Princes expires at the end of the season.
Messi, 35, left the Blaugrana for the Parsians in 2021 after the Blaugrana were unable to afford a new contract for their legendary attacker due to financial constraints. He has shone with Christophe Galtier's side, scoring 14 goals and providing as many assists in 23 games across competitions this season.
The Barcelona legend has been in talks over a new deal with PSG, but they are yet to reach a successful conclusion. According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, the Blaugrana are preparing for all scenarios, which sees Messi return to the Camp Nou. Blaugrana boss Xavi wants a reunion with his former teammate.
Lionel Messi: "Barcelona is my life, Barça gave me everything. I've lived here for longer than in Argentina.” https://t.co/3kHxxaK9S4
The legendary forward became one of the game's greats during his time with the Blaugrana. He scored 672 goals and contributed 303 assists in 778 games across competitions. The Argentine won the Ballon d'Or six times in Barcelona colours.
Messi's departure in 2021 came in bittersweet circumstances, as he was desperate to remain in Catalonia. Alongside his statistical feats, he also won the UEFA Champions League four times and the La Liga on ten occasions. He has said that he will return to Barcelona, a place he calls his home, once he retires:
"When I finish my career, I will return to live in Barcelona; it's my home."
Barcelona president Joan Laporta explained why Lionel Messi was allowed to leave in 2021
Barcelona's poor finances have plagued the club over the years. Astronomical fees have been played for players such as Phillipe Coutinho (€135 million) and Antoine Griezmann (€120 million), who flopped.
However, the biggest mistake many Barcelona fans can agree on is the departure of Lionel Messi in 2021, which could have been avoided. The Argentine left the Camp Nou in tears during his farewell press conference. Laporta has explained why he had to put the Blaugrana before their iconic attacker:
"I had to put Barca ahead of the best player in the history of football. In those moments of financial ruin, I could not retain him. I think it was the best for the club. Right now he is a PSG player, and I prefer not to talk about him."
Lionel Messi and Joan Laporta have history at Barcelona 💙❤️ https://t.co/LT12L1NlCw
Messi has gone on to show why Barcelona should live to regret their financial decisions over the years. Not only has he shone at PSG, but he also won the FIFA World Cup for the first time in his career with Argentina in December.