Former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman does not believe that Lionel Messi will return to Camp Nou this summer.
Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the end of June, and the Argentina international is widely expected to leave the French giants on a free transfer.
Barcelona continue to be linked with the forward, who left the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021, with the club's financial problems preventing them from signing him to a new contract.
Messi is said to be keen to return to Camp Nou, but it remains to be seen whether Barcelona can make the room in their wage budget for the 35-year-old, who would command a gigantic salary.
Koeman managed Barcelona between August 2020 and October 2021 before being sacked, and the 60-year-old is now back in charge of the Netherlands.
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Despite the recent speculation, Koeman has doubted whether Messi would return to Barcelona, particularly with two of his close friends set to depart this summer.
Sergio Busquets has already confirmed that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June, while Jordi Alba's future is also in severe doubt, having lost his starting role this season.
Barcelona boss Xavi has hinted that the left-back could move on this summer, and a number of MLS and Saudi Arabian clubs are thought to be interested in both the Busquets and Alba.
"I don't expect Messi to return to Barcelona. Busquets will leave, Jordi Alba isn't certain to stay too and these 3 are close friends. It wouldn't surprise me if they would leave for Miami or Saudi Arabia together," Koeman told ESPN when questioned on the Argentine's future.
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Koeman also claimed that Barcelona president Joan Laporta only wants to 'save face' by re-signing Messi.
"Joan Laporta wants to save his face [by returning Messi] because he is known as the man who let Lionel Messi go," the experienced manager added.
Messi has scored 20 times and registered 19 assists in 38 appearances for PSG during the 2022-23 campaign, including 15 goals and 15 assists in 29 appearances in France's top flight.
The World Cup winner returned from a suspension to play the full 90 minutes of Saturday's 5-0 win over Ajaccio, with the result moving his team six points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will take on Espanyol in the Barcelona derby on Sunday evening knowing that a victory would see them secure the La Liga title.
Matt Law
