Lionel Messi is reportedly considering returning to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.
Due to the Catalan giants’ financial difficulties, the 34-year-old left on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, eventually signing a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi’s current contract in Paris expires in June, and it is believed that Barcelona would like to bring him back to Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Will Messi return to Barcelona in 2023?
There had been rumours over the summer that Messi wanted to return to his former club, and journalist Veronica Brunati reports that he will return to Barcelona in early July of next year.
In a concise tweet, Brunati, who covers the Argentina national team, wrote: “July 1, 2023, Lionel Messi will be a Barca player.”
1 de julio de 2023, Lionel #Messi será jugador del Barça.
— Veronica Brunati (@verobrunati) October 4, 2022
According to the Daily Mail, the Argentina international is open to returning to the club, but there have been no serious talks about a deal.
According to the report, Barcelona would be able to afford to re-sign Messi if Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, and Jordi Alba leave on free transfers. Messi has made 13 appearances for the French champions this season and has eight goals and eight assists.
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When asked about Messi earlier this week, Barcelona manager Xavi said the South American should be left “in peace to enjoy his time in Paris,” but he refused to rule out a future transfer.
“With Leo, let’s see, but it’s not the moment to talk about it right now. You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best,” he told reporters.
“Barca is his home, but we’re not doing him any favours speaking about [his future], either. Let’s leave him in peace to enjoy his time in Paris and wish him all the best.”
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