In what could prove to be one of the most dramatic transfers of all time in soccer history, Lionel Messi could be set to make his homecoming this summer. As per a bomb-shell report by French news outlet, Le Parisien, Paris Saint-Germain is now 100% planning the next season without Lionel.
As per their recent report, Messi’s father who is also his agent, had asked for an increment in his current contract. This came after the Argentinian had won the World Cup in Lusail, Qatar in December. His current club, PSG did not accept the conditions which were kept forward by Messi’s camp.
🚨 PSG are now 100% planning next season without Leo Messi.
They feel contract talks over a new deal have broken down because Messi wants more money but the Argentine’s entourage deny that.
(Source: @Le_Parisien) pic.twitter.com/IYlqSz240O
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 25, 2023
The 35-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer from Barca. He signed a 2-year contract and has helped his team win the league title as well. But as the transfer window approaches this summer, his future at the club still remains in the air.
PSG was ready to give him an extension but on the same terms as his current contract. But due to increased demands by the player and his agent, his extension has been put to a halt. While the Paris-based club is known to sign superstars, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is now aiming to make the club more financially sustainable.
The development of the same is already in action as more emphasis is put on younger French talents coming through the academy and giving them a chance in the starting XI.
The homecoming of Barca’s very own; Lionel Messi
It is no secret that the former Barca captain has a very special place for his former club in his heart. No club can replace the feelings and the memories Messi made while playing for the 26 times La Liga winners. Speculations of Lionel returning to Barca have been going around for the past year. But as things stand, the rumors of him returning to Barcelona are heating up.
Apart from the reports, FC Barcelona’s Vice President Rafa Yuste has confirmed that the club is in talks with Messi’s camp for a potential homecoming. “Of course, I would love for him to come back, for what it could represent at a sporting, social, and economic level. We are in contact with them, yes,” Yuste confirmed.
Not only this, but the soccer icon is also in constant touch with his former Barca teammates and the current head coach, Xavi Hernandez. In a recent press conference, the Spaniard reacted to the reports of him having dinner with Lionel Messi. “Alba and Busquets having dinner with Messi? I went for dessert later… No, they have not told me anything about Messi,” he joked.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Messi has enrolled his children in the same school they studied in Barcelona. This came shortly after he withdrew from their school in Paris.
It seems like everything is falling into place. All the stars are aligning as Barca looks set to secure the return of their prodigal son, Lionel Messi.