Lionel Messi ‘yet undecided’ on Barcelona return despite strong rumours

Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona has been a hot topic in football these days. Sources close to the Barcelona legend however have revealed that the Argentinian is yet to decide on a return to his former club. A highly respected football journalist Veronica Brunati however was certain that Messi would join Barcelona in 2023. In a simple tweet she said, “July 1, 2023, Lionel Messi will be a Barca player.”

Others reports from the Spanish club also say that the former club is already discussing Messi’s return to the club.

Messi’s Barcelona career had come to a bitter end as ‘financial and structural obstacles’ forced him out of the club in 2021. The club released a statement that read, “Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations).”

Messi then signed with the French club PSG in 2021 after bidding a tearful adieu to Barcelona and his fans from Spain. Xavi Hernandez who now coaches the Barcelona senior team has asked the media to leave the player be. When asked if Messi would be returning to Barcelona, Xavi said, 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. 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, ” he concluded.

Messi is currently playing in top form at PSG and for Argentina as well. The 35-year-old has already scored 20 goals and further assisted 20 more for club and country this season. After failing to win the coveted Cup multiple times, Messi would be looking to end his international career on a high with the Qatar World Cup 2022.