Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has confirmed that the Catalan giants have been in touch with Lionel Messi's camp to discuss a possible return to Camp Nou this summer.
The Argentina international's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the end of June, and there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia and MLS are said to be keen to sign Messi on a free transfer, while PSG have not given up hope of convincing him to extend his stay in the French capital.
However, a recent report claimed that Barcelona are emerging as the favourites to re-sign the player that they lost in the summer of 2021 due to financial problems.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently said that the "doors are open" at Camp Nou for the World Cup winner to make the move back to the club this summer.
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The Catalan side's vice-president Yuste has now revealed that there have been discussions with Messi's representatives over an emotional return at the end of the campaign.
"We've been in contact with Leo Messi's camp. Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I'd love for him to come back," Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano quotes Yuste as saying.
"For sure Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here."
Barcelona boss Xavi was also asked about Messi during his press conference to preview Saturday's La Liga clash with Elche.
"It's not the time to talk about Leo's return. I talk to him a lot because he is my friend. We are dealing with the issue but there is a world between now and then, I hope we see him at home," he told reporters.
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"I'm the first one who would be happy to see the best player in history return. But now is not the time to talk about signings, nor about Leo. We are two months away from winning two titles.
"It's not up to me. It depends on what he does. If he wants to come back we talk. But we haven't spoken much. If he wants to come back, we will listen to him. I'll be the first to add my voice for him to come back. I haven't talked about next year. We are focused on winning titles.
"You are specialists in changing the subject and I don't understand why people are talking about transfers. We are one step away from winning titles and now we are talking about signings. It's surprising. Elche and the cup final, that's what's important.
"Let's listen to fate if it's so wise...let's see what happens, there's nothing yet. Let's see how willing he is. We are doing a disservice to Leo, to the team, to the club... we are one step away from success in the post-Messi era that we were so afraid of. This is success."
Messi scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists in 777 appearances for Barcelona between 2004 and 2021, while he has scored 29 goals and provided 32 assists in 66 outings for PSG since his arrival in 2021.
Matt Law
