Transfer Centre

Lionel Messi 'decides to return to Barcelona'

By Ben Sully | 23 April 2023

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi reportedly wants to return to Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has reportedly decided that he wants to return to Barcelona.

Messi is Barcelona's all-time record scorer after racking up 672 goals in 778 appearances before leaving the club in 2021.

The Argentine, who was forced to depart due to Barcelona's poor financial situation, went on to sign a two-year deal with PSG, which is set to expire in June.

A recent report claimed that Messi is set to leave on a free transfer this summer after PSG elected against offering him a new deal.

Messi has been linked with MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, but he is keen to continue playing in Europe.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023 © Reuters

According to the Daily Mail, the 35-year-old wants to complete a return to Barcelona when his PSG contract expires.

Despite showing a willingness to move back to the La Liga leaders, there are a number of obstacles that need to be negotiated before Messi can head back to Camp Nou.

The report claims that Barcelona will submit their financial projections in the next two weeks, which will include the contract that they plan to offer the Argentina international.

La Liga will then decide whether the proposed contract can be permitted due to Barcelona's economic situation.

The Spanish League are keen for Messi to return due to his commercial benefit, but La Liga president Javier Tebas has previously warned that they will not bend the rules for one club.

Lionel Messi wins The Best FIFA Men's Player 2022 award on February 27, 2023 © Reuters

Messi is aware that he is unlikely to be offered his current PSG salary by another European club, and he is open to taking a pay cut to facilitate a move to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are set to offer the forward a two-year deal worth €12m (£10.6m), which is believed to be €2m (£1.8m) more than Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona contract.

With Barcelona still unable to register new contracts for Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde and Gavi, they will need to explain to the league how Messi's deal will meet Financial Fair Play rules.

They are hoping to generate funds by selling a percentage of their licensing and merchandising business, while they will also look to offload players in the summer transfer window.

Eric Garcia, Franck Kessie, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Raphinha have all been earmarked for potential sales, as Barcelona look to generate income.