Lionel Messi ready to leave PSG and return to Barcelona at the lowest salary possible - Reports
Lionel Messi is reportedly willing to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and make a sensational return to Barcelona.
According to Spanish publication El Nacional, the Argentine is unhappy in the French capital, where he arrived just last summer. Since then, it hasn't been a smooth ride for him, struggling to adapt to his new surroundings and impressing only in bits and parts.
The 34-year-old has only struck twice in Ligue 1 from 18 appearances while also getting booed by PSG fans in a league win over Bordeaux following their Champions League exit.
Leo Messi dreams of returning to Barcelona.
— @MatteMoretto https://t.co/RwJKa5c7pZ
Kylian Mbappe is on the verge of agreeing with Real Madrid while Angel Di Maria is also touted to leave upon the expiry of his contract in the summer. These departures could instigate the Argentine to join them through the Parc des Princes exit door.
Messi's contract runs until 2023. Despite reports emerging that he's set to see it off, El Nacional now claims that the former Barcelona ace is looking to activate an escape clause in his terms.
To facilitate his relocation to Camp Nou, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is ready to accept a huge pay cut and take home the lowest salary allowed by La Liga.
Xavi and Dani Alves hoping for Messi's return
Further fanning the rejoining claims are Xavi and Dani Alves' comments. Xavi, who's done a fine job of reviving the Blaugrana squad since taking over from Ronald Koeman in November, said that the door is "always open" for him.
🗣Xavi has left the door open for a sensational Barcelona return for Lionel Messi,
"Leo Messi is the best player in history and the doors will always be open here at Barça for him."
🔴🔵 https://t.co/IcimoGG1aM
The Barcelona coach said:
"Messi has earned the opportunity to have his doors open here while I am the coach, as well as if he wants to come every day to see the training or to talk to the coach. What he has given us is priceless, he is the best of the best. But today he has a contract with PSG, I think he signed for two years."
Messi has gone seven consecutive appearances in all competitions without scoring a goal. After watching him endure this difficult patch, Alves urged him to return like the Brazilian himself did in January.
He told ESPN in an interview:
“Messi is not enjoying himself. For me, he’s out of place. Right now, Leo is out of place there. Leo always said to me: ‘Where could I be happier than here? I’m proof of that. There’s nowhere better than here. For whatever reason, Leo isn’t here today but I hope he can come back.”