Barcelona Confirms Lionel Messi’s Transfer Talks as PSG Contract Winds Down

By: Gyang Dakwo

Barcelona has acknowledged they are in contact with Lionel Messi about bringing him back to the club, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June.

Vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed Friday that the club is looking into the possibility of re-signing Messi, who left for PSG in 2021, with coach Xavi Hernandez later adding he hopes to see the Argentine back at Spotify Camp Nou.

“I am still gutted he couldn’t continue here,” Yuste said at a news conference. “Of course, I would like him to come back, because of what he represents on a sporting, social, and economic level.

“We are in contact with [Messi’s camp], yes. Beautiful stories should have happy endings, and there is a mutual love between the two parties.”

Messi, 35, left two years ago after two decades in Catalonia because Barca could not afford to renew his contract. The financial side of any return this summer remains an obstacle.

Barca coach Xavi, who played alongside Messi, said it depends more on what Argentina forward wants to do next than money, with a renewal at PSG and a move to Major League Soccer as other possibilities.