Lionel Messi might have left Barcelona a year ago, but the Argentine's story at the iconic Camp Nou stadium doesn't appear to be over just yet!
According to a recent report by Sport, the Spanish giants are contemplating making a swoop for the Argentine legend next summer when his contract with PSG runs out. The man pushing for this arrangement is none other than Xavi, La Pulga's former teammate, who firmly believes the attacker can still make a difference for the Blaugrana.
It was the summer of 2021 when Leo bid an emotional farewell to his boyhood club. Despite having agreed to a new deal, the club's financial woes made it extremely difficult to register the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and thus president Joan Laporta decided to let their all-time top scorer go for free.
PSG did not hesitate and promptly signed the Argentine. While his debut season at the Parc des Princes did not go well, scoring only 11 goals and assisting an additional 15 (insignificant numbers by his tremendous standards), the Ligue 1 champions are reportedly keen on keeping him for an additional year.
The French giants have the option of extending his deal by another 12 months, but with Barcelona eyeing a move for their former no.10, it will be interesting to see who ends up securing Leo's services for 2023/24.
According to Sport, Xavi sees his return as a piece of business that will help the club both economically and on the pitch as he believes the South American has a few years left in the tank. Additionally, Joan Laporta has publicly confessed his desire to see Messi back at the Camp Nou as the iconic attacker never got the sendoff he deserved, having left the club during the summer break.
However, given the number of mega-money signings Barcelona have pulled off since waving goodbye to their greatest player in history, including Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, whether the Spanish giants can afford this will be an intriguing question. Additionally, with the no.10 jersey having been handed to Ansu Fati, Messi might never look the same in a Blaugrana shirt.
