Barcelona want to bring Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lionel Messi back to the club as early as January, according to a report.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced to end his illustrious stint with the Camp Nou giants in 2021, penning a two-year deal with PSG in the process.
Messi initially struggled to showcase his best form at the Parc des Princes, scoring just six Ligue 1 goals in his debut season as Mauricio Pochettino's men won the title.
However, the 35-year-old has proven effective in the trident with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar under Christophe Galtier this term, scoring 11 goals and setting up 12 more in 16 outings in all tournaments.
PSG only have Messi under contract until the end of the season, and Barcelona have been persistently linked with a reunion with their all-time record goalscorer.
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President Joan Laporta has often talked up the possibility of bringing Messi back to Camp Nou, either in a playing capacity or in an administrative/ambassadorial role after he hangs up his boots.
Now seeking to take advantage of Messi's contract uncertainty, Sport claims that Barcelona want to bring the South American back to Catalonia midway through the season.
La Blaugrana's long-running financial problems are well-documented, but the report adds that the 1:1 rule will be in force over the winter, as opposed to the 1:4 rule next summer.
With the 1:1 rule, Barcelona can spend €1 for every €1 they recoup, whereas with the 1:4 rule they could only spend €1 for every €4 they make back, which would make a transfer for Messi unfeasible.
As a result, a January transfer would be more economically viable for the Camp Nou giants, but Laporta and economic vice-president Mateu Alemany are still facing an uphill battle to pull off a move.
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PSG are thought to be working on a contract extension for Messi given his stellar start to the 2022-23 campaign, whereas Barca are yet to initiate contacts over a possible return.
Furthermore, the report adds that PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi would have no interest in speaking to Barcelona over Messi's return given difficult past relations between the two outfits.
Finally, Messi is not expected to make any decisions on his future until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which could end up proving his last in an Argentina jersey.
The 35-year-old has now registered a total of 22 goals and 27 assists in 50 appearances for PSG after scoring and providing an assist in Saturday's thrilling 4-3 win over Troyes.
Messi's former teammate and current Barca boss Xavi has also been quizzed on a reunion with the Argentine, but he has called for the attacker to be left in "peace" over the speculation.
Ben Knapton
