One of the fantasies of many a Barcelona supporter is the return of their former star Lionel Messi.
The Argentine left the Catalan club two years ago after it became clear Barcelona were going to be unable to register his contract due to the wage limit set by LaLiga.
He joined PSG and his relationship with the club soured to put it mildly. While it was widely believed he was close to reaching an extension with PSG, which was all but done during the World Cup, he’s yet to do so.
It then gave credence for Barcelona fans to dream about a possible reunion.
As each day goes by, those dreams look closer and closer to turning into a reality.
Player like Sergi Robert, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Arnau Tenas have all openly talked about the possibility of Messi returning and how good it would be. Given Barcelona’s financial situation, a return seemed unlikely.
However, Barcelona vice president, Rafael Yuste, openly admitted to contacts between the club and Messi, making a return quite likely.
"“I am still gutted he couldn’t continue here,” Yuste said. “Of course I would like him to come back because of what he represents on a sporting, social and economic level.“We are in contact [with Messi’s camp], yes. Beautiful stories should have happy endings, and there is mutual love between the two parties.”Source: ESPN"
That there have been talks between both sides is a significant development. Perhaps even more so is that Yuste says there is “mutual love between the two parties.” As mentioned, the relationship between Messi and Joan Laporta was almost non-existent following the split. If there has been a reconciliation, it’s a green light for Barcelona to make a move.
One of the most significant holdups has to do with whether or not Barcelona would be able to accommodate his wages. That apparently is no longer a problem and they are working on a way to make an offer economically appealing.
❗️ Messi's return is economically feasible. He would earn around €10m + a variable for sponsoring that would take him close to what he earns at PSG. [@verobrunati] #fcblive pic.twitter.com/FEjHZPO86N
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 31, 2023
❗️ Lionel Messi contacted Barça's treasurer, Ferrán Olivier, directly today. That's why Yuste has been emphatic in his words regarding the possibility of Leo's return to Barça. [@verobrunati] #fcblive pic.twitter.com/NFGQwvGFYn
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 31, 2023
Things haven’t gone as well as expected at PSG with supporters going so far as booing him and placing the blame on him for their Champions League failings. The sentiment is quite the opposite at the Camp Nou where fans in attendance during the Kings League — Gerard Pique’s football venture — chanted his name. Something that did not go unnoticed.
Strong pessimism has started to grow at PSG and it is looking more and more likely Messi won’t sign a new deal. Laporta knows he now has an opportunity to right the wrong of two seasons ago.
Messi wants to return to Barcelona and the club want him back. Messi is waiting. The only thing left is for Barcelona to make an offer. But they are going to need to have all their ducks in a row first. The last thing they want is a repeat of what happened the last time.