Lionel Messi has been linked with a sensational return to Barcelona before next season.
Lionel Messi was spotted in a Barcelona restaurant on Monday evening amid ongoing uncertainty over his long-term future at Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to sign a new contract at the Parc des Princes and has been linked with several clubs, including Barcelona, as he continues to consider whether to stay in France beyond the end of the season.
At least one encounter has taken place between PSG and Messi’s entourage in recent weeks, with his father Jorge believed to be handling negotiations on the 35-year-old’s behalf. An agreement to see the winger extend his stay in Paris has yet to be reached, leaving his future uncertain with only months remaining until the existing deals expire.
The idea of a romantic return to Barcelona has been floating around since the end of last season, although it remains to be seen whether the Catalan giants will explore the possibility of bringing him back if they fail to reach an agreement with PSG before the end of the season. season.
Messi managed to set tongues wagging on Monday by returning to Barcelona to dine with two of his former team-mates, with his presence fueling speculation that a high-profile move to the Nou Camp could be an option for him next season. He met up with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and their partners for dinner before posing for a photo that his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared via Instagram.
It was recently reported by Foot Mercato that Messi is leaning toward a summer exit from PSG after deciding not to prioritize talks with the club hierarchy over a new and improved contract. He was previously tipped to move to MLS with Inter Miami, who are owned by David Beckham, although he has been deemed reluctant to join them given he wants to stay with the Argentina squad for the Copa America in 2024.
The possibility of signing a new contract at PSG is not completely dead, and it is possible that Messi will eventually stay with his current employer for at least another year. PSG are not expected to make a final decision on whether or not to renew their contract until their Champions League campaign is drawing to a close, which suggests there will be plenty of time for the situation to reach a firm conclusion at some point over the coming weeks.
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently made it clear that he believes Messi will eventually decide to stay with the reigning French champions for the foreseeable future, saying towards the end of last year: “I think if both of them want to extend his contract, he will stay.” .
“We will talk after the World Cup, but I confirmed a thousand times he is very happy at the club, he is having a great season, he is adapting to French football. I think he wants to stay.”