With Lionel Messi’s current contract with PSG expiring at the end of the season, rumours have been rife regarding his future.
There have been contrary reports emerging on the future of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Some outlets state that the Argentine ace is keen on prolonging his stay at Parc des Princes by signing a contract extension that will secure his future in the French capital at least until 2024.
At the same time, it has also been reported that Messi is not keen to continue in Paris and is looking at all his options.
Amidst this, Barcelona have not backed out from the race just yet and still harbour the dream of bringing their prodigal son back to Camp Nou. A meeting has also taken place between president Joan Laporta and Messi’s father.
But as per Alfredo Martinez, the possibility of Messi coming back to Camp Nou is seemingly impossible.
This is hardly surprising as Barça are experiencing a major financial crisis and require major restructuring before they can incorporate newer players into the team.
La Liga have asked them to reduce the salary mass to €200 million, which is a significant amount and could lead to the club sanctioning the sale of at least two top-quality stars. Franck Kessie, for one, has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou, with Inter Milan keeping tabs.
Even then, luring Messi to Camp Nou could be tricky. The Argentine has a dysfunctional relationship with club president Joan Laporta, due to the way in which he was asked to depart the club in 2021.
Laporta has suggested that the club want to present a tribute to Messi when the Espai Barça project is completed, but has been coy on the possibility of a return.
PSG, meanwhile, are likely to step up their efforts to retain the services of Messi, whose prolonged stay at the club could go a long way in boosting their chances of gaining European supremacy at long last.
