Reports indicate that Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated return to FC Barcelona is imminent. After leaving the club two years ago due to financial constraints preventing the extension of his contract….
Messi’s current deal with Paris Saint Germain expires on June 30, making him a free agent.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Lionel Messi, along with his father and agent, Jorge Messi, informed the Qatari-backed PSG football Club more than a month ago that they will not continue with the French club next season. However, the Messis expressed their desire to complete the current season with PSG before making final decisions, as Jorge Messi stated in a recent statement.
Jorge Messi and Lionel Messi
Contrary to rumors, there is no existing agreement with Al-Hilal, despite suggestions that Messi had accepted a remarkable $380 million-per-year offer from the Saudi club, which would have made him the highest-paid athlete on Forbes’ list.
Following FC Barcelona’s securing of their first La Liga title in four years, club president Joan Laporta has emphasized that re-signing Messi is now their top priority. Laporta confirmed personally communicating with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in a recent interview, and sources state that Messi intends to reject offers from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer to return to the Blaugrana.
In a recent report, Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati revealed that Messi’s camp is seeking guarantees from FC Barcelona to ensure a smooth transfer process and avoid last-minute surprises as seen in the summer of 2021. In response, Barcelona has requested an official document from La Liga as proof of Messi’s registration eligibility once an agreement is reached with the club. This request aligns with the club’s obligation to present a viability plan to comply with Spanish football regulations.
Sources anticipate that the signing process will accelerate approximately two weeks before Messi becomes a free agent, pending the receipt of the requested document. Lionel Messi could receive a yearly salary offer of €25 million ($27.1 million). However, his return to the iconic Camp Nou stadium is not expected until 2024, after the completion of its renovation.
