Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi was on Monday seen heading into a building with Barcelona president Joan Laporta before admitting his son wants to return to the Camp Nou.
Messi had confirmed he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season after two years with the French side, and played his last game for the club on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat to Clermont which saw the World Cup winning captain booed by his own fans.
There has been heavy interest in his next move, with former side Barcelona, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal – who could offer a deal worth £2billion – and Inter Miami among the favourites to secure his signature.
But the forward’s father – who is also his agent – was seen heading into what is believed to be Laporta’s house in a video shared by Toni Juanmarti, as talks continue over a sensational return to Spain.
A deal would see Messi return to the club he called home for 17 years, giving the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner what would likely be a fairytale ending to his career.
After the meeting, Messi Snr said that his son is keen to return to Spain if a deal can be done.
‘Leo wants to return to Barcelona and I’d love to see him back to Barca,’ he said. ‘Barca move is an option for sure.’
As it was announced Messi would leave PSG, a statement from PSG posted to their social media channels, read: ‘After two seasons with PSG, the adventure between Leo Messi and Paris Saint-Germain will come to an end at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
‘The Club wishes Leo, with undeniable emotion, many more accomplishments for the rest of his career.’
In a press release put out by the club, Messi said: ‘I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.’
He scored 32 goals for the club in 73 appearances for the club as he rekindled his relationship with Neymar and formed a formidable forward set-up with the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe.
PSG confirmed the forward would be leaving the club before their final game of the season at the weekend
But he failed to help the Parisians lift their much-desired first Champions League trophy as they fell short in both attempts while Messi was at the club, and they must now turn to alternative options.
At Barcelona, Messi is an icon and scored well over 650 goals for the side he helped to several honours.
He was reduced to tears when he left in 2021, as he was forced out due to economic and structural obstacles – Spanish LaLiga regulations – amid the club’s ongoing battle with the league.
But issues have dimmed and the Argentina star can now return to the club if he desires. No deal is done, but talks are underway for the 35-year-old to make the move back to Spain.
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