Lionel Messi’s highly expected return to Barcelona is picking up steam after his dad and agent Jorge met Joan Laporta to discuss his son’s return to La Liga.
Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti has leaked the video of the Argentine’s father entering a hotel to negotiate the veteran’s possible reunion with his former club with the Blaugrana president.
Messi’s deal in Paris runs out at the end of June, and he has no intention of renewing it despite winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles with Les Parisiens.
Despite being courted by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, the World Cup winner seems inclined to reject a lucrative €400 million-a-year contract in the Middle East to return to Barcelona.
He unwillingly left Spotify Camp Nou in 2021 after the club’s financial turmoil prevented them from registering his contract.
But he is now determined to reunite with his ex-teammate Xavi Hernandez, with Laporta doing everything in his power to make the deal happen.
After the meeting, Messi’s father admitted his son wants to re-sign for Barcelona, fuelling talks of the Argentine’s inevitable return to Camp Nou.
While last month’s reports suggested the Catalans are at risk of missing out on Messi’s transfer over the Financial Fair Play deadlock with La Liga, the club president has not lost hope.
It seems league officials have given the newly-crowned champions the go-ahead to proceed with their agenda. The question remains – can Barcelona afford to sign Messi?
Before making any financial moves this summer, they first must cut €200m in spending to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Laporta hopes to raise funds for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s return from player sales, with numerous first-team stars already on the chopping block.
Raphinha, who occupied Messi’s position in 2022/23, could make way after popping up on Newcastle United’s shortlist.
There’s no doubt the Messi deal would squeeze Barcelona’s finances, but as has often happened in the past, they always find a way to work around the FFP rules.
