Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'emerging as clear favourites to re-sign Lionel Messi'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 March 2023

Barcelona 'emerging as clear favourites to re-sign Messi'

Barcelona lead the race to re-sign Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lionel Messi on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Barcelona are allegedly emerging as the favourites to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou this summer.

The 35-year-old's contract at Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the end of June, and there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future at club level.

PSG are keen to sign the Argentina international to a new deal, while there is also firm interest from the MLS in the shape of Inter Miami.

A number of Saudi Arabian clubs are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with Messi potentially being offered the biggest deal in football history to move to the country this summer.

However, talk of a return to Barcelona continues to gather pace, and according to 90min, the Catalan outfit are now in pole position to re-sign him when his deal at PSG expires.

Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi in action with Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich on March 8, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that Messi wants 'a fairytale return' to Camp Nou, although it remains to be seen whether the club can put together the package required to sign him due to their financial problems.

The Argentine initially departed Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, with the La Liga giants unable to sign him to a new deal due to their off-the-field issues.

Messi scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists in 777 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, representing their first team between 2004 and 2021.

Meanwhile, he won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies during a highly-successful spell at Camp Nou.

Messi is believed to be keen to play in the MLS before the end of his career, and he could potentially return to Barcelona for another season before moving to North America in the summer of 2024.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal with Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

The World Cup winner has been in strong form for PSG during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering 17 assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

The Paris outfit are again well on course to win the Ligue 1 title, sitting seven points ahead of second-placed Marseille in the table, but they were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

Barcelona boss Xavi recently said that the 'doors are open' for Messi to return to Camp Nou this summer.

Meanwhile, the attacker's former teammate Gerard Pique talked up a move back to Barcelona at the end of the campaign.

A decision on Messi's future is believed to be close, with it appearing increasingly likely that he will be leaving PSG on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.