In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona’s vice-president, Rafael Yuste, has revealed that the club is in talks with their legendary forward, Lionel Messi, regarding a possible return to the Nou Camp. The 35-year-old Argentine forward, who is Barcelona’s all-time leading goal-scorer with an astonishing 672 goals in 778 appearances, left the club for financial reasons in 2021.
Messi’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer of 2023, and he has been linked with a possible extension with the French giants. However, his preference is still believed to be a return to Barcelona, where he spent an illustrious 21-year career that saw him win four Champions Leagues and ten La Liga titles, as well as six Ballons d’Or.
“Leo and his family know the affection I have for them,” said Yuste. “Messi knows how much we appreciate him. I would love for him to come back. We’re in contact, of course, with them.”
The possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona seemed unlikely after the club failed to meet the financial rules necessary to keep him in 2021. Despite agreeing to a new deal on reduced wages two years ago, the club was unable to sell enough players in time to keep Messi, ending his storied tenure with the Catalan giants.
“I participated in the negotiations which unfortunately did not lead to a certain result,” Yuste added. “I’ve always had this thorn in my side that Leo couldn’t continue at our club.”
Messi’s achievements are unparalleled, and his return to Barcelona would be a significant boost for the club, both on and off the pitch. The Argentine superstar has scored 29 goals in 66 appearances for PSG since joining the club, and he recently reached the milestone of 100 international goals and 800 career strikes.
While a move to Barcelona is not a certainty, the fact that talks have begun will undoubtedly excite fans of the Catalan giants. If the club can find a way to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp, it would be one of the most significant transfers in recent memory, and it could propel Barcelona back to the top of European football.
