Lionel Messi is considering making a sensational return to his former club FC Barcelona as he is nearing the final hours of his decorated soccer career.
The “Where Lionel Messi will be playing next season” saga has seen quite a few turns in recent times, as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is reaching the end of his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain. New rumors are emerging every now and then, with many clubs showing their interest in signing the 35-year-old Argentinian.
Lionel Messi has had an enviable career. Throughout his professional career, he has collected a plethora of medals, trophies, and honors at the club, national, and international levels. His most recent success came with his national side, as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. His performance in the World Cup has been instrumental in ending Argentina’s 36-year World Cup drought after the legendary Diego Maradona lifted the trophy in 1986.
Can Barcelona afford Lionel Messi right now?
If what Fabrizio Romano says is true, Lionel Messi and PSG have already verbally agreed to extend his contract. His fans, however, are not ready to write off the possibility of him joining Barcelona just yet.
Sergi Roberto: "I hope Messi comes back. We are waiting for him. He does not deserve the treatment he receives in Paris", told @JijantesFC 🔵🔴 #FCB
"We are waiting for Leo, we want him at Barça". pic.twitter.com/aRl8uEkfAF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2023
Ronald Araujo: “I’d love Messi to return. He is the best player in the world and Barcelona is his home. His return would help us to try to win another Champions League” 🔵🔴 #FCB
“I hope there are every chance to have him again. We all want him by our side”, told @infobae. pic.twitter.com/h8zVSvi0HF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 18, 2023
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would undoubtedly bring joy to Barcelona’s global fan base if he joined the team. Though, it’s unclear if Barcelona could afford Messi given their current financial situation.
As if their financial woes weren’t bad enough, Barcelona may be banned from the Champions League for bribing a former vice president of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees to fix games.
Lionel Messi, following PSG’s Champions League exit, will be looking to challenge for his fifth UCL title. This means he may be looking for other options if UEFA bans Barcelona from entering the UCL next season.
- Barcelona Star defends Lionel Messi against disrespectful PSG fans ahead of his expected homecoming.
Why did Messi leave Barcelona?
Lionel Messi broke down in tears in the press conference as he announced his departure from the Catalan side.
One of the main reasons cited for Messi’s departure was the financial troubles facing the club, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Barcelona’s debt has soared to over 1.1 billion euros ($1.3 billion), making it difficult for the club to pay its players and maintain its facilities.
Messi’s departure also came after a disappointing 2020-21 season for Barcelona, which finished third in the La Liga standings and was knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16. Despite Messi’s individual brilliance, the team struggled to find consistency and failed to win any major trophies.
How likely is it for Messi to return to the Blaugrana? Don’t forget to put your thoughts down in the comments!
