Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly cancelled his plans to fly out to the 2022 World Cup with a view to convincing Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou.
The 35-year-old's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire next summer, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.
Messi starred for Argentina at the World Cup, scoring seven goals at the competition, including a brace in the final, with the South American nation beating France on penalties to secure the trophy.
The forward will now sit down with PSG to discuss a possible extension, and it is believed that the Ligue 1 giants are in a strong position to keep hold of him.
However, Barcelona allegedly remain determined to bring him back to the club next year.
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According to Marca, Laporta had planned to travel to Qatar for the final but ultimately decided to remain at home.
The report claims that the Barcelona president wanted to talk to Messi straight after the final about a possible return to Camp Nou but felt that it was not the right time considering the circumstances.
Inter Miami are also said to be in the running for Messi, but the forward is believed to be keen to spend at least one more season in European football.
The attacker has been in impressive form for PSG during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 14 assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.
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"It is historical justice. He is the best of all time and he deserves it," Laporta told reporters while at the premiere for the Amazon Prime Video docuseries 'FC Barcelona: A New Era' when asked about Messi's World Cup triumph.
Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Xavi added: "I am very happy for Messi, he deserves the World Cup. He is the best player in history and he is my friend. This World Cup final was one of the best in history."
Messi left Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 after the club were unable to renew his contract due to their financial problems.
The attacker scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists in 777 appearances for Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies.
Matt Law
