Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that he has "exchanged messages recently" with Lionel Messi, as the Catalan giants bid to re-sign the Argentina international this summer.
The 35-year-old's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the end of June, and he is widely expected to leave the French champions in search of pastures new.
A big-money move to Saudi Arabia is thought to be an option for the World Cup winner, but Barcelona are also hoping to bring him back to Camp Nou.
On Sunday evening, speaking after Barcelona's La Liga title triumph, Laporta confirmed his club's desire to re-sign the Argentine ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Messi, who has 20 goals and 19 assists in 38 outings for PSG this term, is widely regarded as the best player in Barcelona's history, making the most appearances for the club (778), in addition to scoring the most goals (672).
© Reuters
The La Liga outfit's financial problems led to him leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, with PSG bringing him to France on a two-year contract.
Barcelona still have off-the-field issues and will have to navigate their way through a difficult market in order to improve their squad, but Laporta has confirmed that the club will be active.
The Catalan team's president has also revealed that he has been in touch with Messi, and the 60-year-old is confident that his side can compete with the alleged big-money offers from Saudi Arabia.
"I spoke with Leo Messi about the situation that happened. We sent each other text messages. We have a relationship." Laporta told TV3 on Monday morning.
© Reuters
"Messi plays for Paris, and there has been some unpleasant situations with the fans. I don't want to bother him. We exchanged messages recently. He respects the club, and nobody doubts that.
"Barca is Barca, and this is Leo Messi's home. Barcelona can compete with Saudi Arabia and everywhere else. Messi is the best player in the world and obviously any coach wants to train him."
Laporta also confirmed that his club want to keep hold of Ansu Fati amid the ongoing speculation surrounding the Spain international, who has struggled to show his best form this season.
"Ansu Fati is a player we want at the club, and he wants to stay at Barca too," he said.
The 20-year-old, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in the upcoming market, has scored seven goals and registered four assists in 47 appearances at club level this term.
Matt Law
