MX23RW : Wednesday, May 1 05:18:40| >> :120:23267:23267:

Lionel Messi 'decides to return to Barcelona'

Lionel Messi 'decides to return to Barcelona'
© Reuters
Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi reportedly wants to return to Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has reportedly decided that he wants to return to Barcelona.

Messi is Barcelona's all-time record scorer after racking up 672 goals in 778 appearances before leaving the club in 2021.

The Argentine, who was forced to depart due to Barcelona's poor financial situation, went on to sign a two-year deal with PSG, which is set to expire in June.

A recent report claimed that Messi is set to leave on a free transfer this summer after PSG elected against offering him a new deal.

Messi has been linked with MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, but he is keen to continue playing in Europe.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023© Reuters

According to the Daily Mail, the 35-year-old wants to complete a return to Barcelona when his PSG contract expires.

Despite showing a willingness to move back to the La Liga leaders, there are a number of obstacles that need to be negotiated before Messi can head back to Camp Nou.

The report claims that Barcelona will submit their financial projections in the next two weeks, which will include the contract that they plan to offer the Argentina international.

La Liga will then decide whether the proposed contract can be permitted due to Barcelona's economic situation.

The Spanish League are keen for Messi to return due to his commercial benefit, but La Liga president Javier Tebas has previously warned that they will not bend the rules for one club.

Lionel Messi wins The Best FIFA Men's Player 2022 award on February 27, 2023© Reuters

Messi is aware that he is unlikely to be offered his current PSG salary by another European club, and he is open to taking a pay cut to facilitate a move to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are set to offer the forward a two-year deal worth €12m (£10.6m), which is believed to be €2m (£1.8m) more than Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona contract.

With Barcelona still unable to register new contracts for Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde and Gavi, they will need to explain to the league how Messi's deal will meet Financial Fair Play rules.

They are hoping to generate funds by selling a percentage of their licensing and merchandising business, while they will also look to offload players in the summer transfer window.

Eric Garcia, Franck Kessie, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Raphinha have all been earmarked for potential sales, as Barcelona look to generate income.

ID:512177:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5482:

Lionel Messi future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Lionel Messi

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023
Read Next:
PSG 'decide against renewing Lionel Messi contract'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!