PSG superstar Lionel Messi's relationship with Barcelona much better; return possible - Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi's relationship with Barcelona has improved and a return to the Nou Camp is possible for the Argentine, as per ESPN.
The legendary forward left Barca for PSG last summer after the Catalan club failed to extend his stay at Nou Camp. Many had anticipated Messi seeing out his career in Catalonia but the Blaugrana's financial woes ultimately led to the Argentinian's departure.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner signed a two-year contract with PSG after 18 long years at Barcelona. Messi's relationship with Barca off the back of his exit appeared to be frosty, but Joan Laporta has hinted that he wants the iconic Argentine to return to the club.
Gemma Soler has told ESPN that there has definitely been an improvement in the relationship between Messi and the Blaugrana. A return to the Nou Camp for the Argentine is now said to be back on the table.
2009: 41 Goals + 15 Assists = 56 GA
When Leo Messi won 4 Ballon D'or in a row:
▶ 2009: 41 Goals + 15 Assists = 56 GA
▶ 2010: 60 Goals + 17 Assists = 77 GA
▶ 2011: 59 Goals + 36 Assists = 95 GA
▶ 2012: 91 Goals + 22 Assists = 113 GA
You will never see such dominance in football again. 🐐 https://t.co/tITT2ANrLF
Since leaving Barca for the Parc des Princes, the veteran forward has encountered a somewhat topsy-turvy time in Paris. Messi made 34 appearances last season, scoring 11 goals and contributing 15 assists.
He was part of the PSG side that lifted the Ligue 1 title but came under fire during the halfway point of the season following the French side's exit from the UEFA Champions League.
Messi's performance in the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Round of 16 led to huge criticism and he was unceremoniously booed by PSG fans in the side's next game. However, the former Barcelona star has made an impressive start to the 2022-23 season, bagging three goals and an assist in three appearances.
A return to Barca could possibly come at the end of the campaign with his contract at the Parc des Princes expiring next June. He does have the option of extending his stay at Paris for a further year.
"I had everything in Barcelona" - Lionel Messi on leaving the Nou Camp for PSG
Lionel Messi's departure from Barca was an emotional moment as the Argentine wept during his farewell press-conference.
The Argentine has reflected on his exit one year later, telling TyC Sports:
"I had everything in Barcelona. I left when I was very young. What's more: I lived more in Barcelona than in Argentina. And I was doing very well. The truth is that I had no plans to change anything".