Lionel Messi lifting the La Liga trophy
Photo: Sportslibro
Football Club Barcelona have taken steps in bringing back their former star, Lionel Messi to Spain.
The Club’s Vice President, Rafael Yutse said Barcelona are in contact with Lionel Messi who is currently plying his trade in France with Paris St Germain.
The 35-year-old Argentina forward is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 games and left the Nou Camp for financial reasons in 2021.
Messi agreed a new deal with Barcelona on reduced wages two years ago, but it was dependent on the club selling players following new financial rules.
During his stay at Barca, Messi won four Champions Leagues, 10 La Liga titles as well as six Ballons d’Or.
“I participated in the negotiations that sadly weren’t successful. I am still frustrated that Leo couldn’t continue playing for this club. If we talk about the Masia academy and youth players, we are talking about Leo.
He arrived here when he was 12 years old. Of course, I would love to have him back. I say this personally. But I think many of our supporters would love that too, for everything he would represent if he came back, not only on a sporting, economic and social level, among other issues, but also because I think that all beautiful stories must have a happy ending.”
Barca’s Coach, Xavi Hernandez has also expressed readiness to welcome back the club’s greatest player.
“I have seen him grow at the club, I know him, I know the magnitude of him as a footballer. He is exemplary in many aspects. It’s normal that people are excited. It’s a Last Dance like Michael Jordan. I think the best thermometer is Camp Nou to see how Cules are. That thermometer does not fail. The field is full and the people excited, people are excited on the street.”
Messi’s contract with Paris St Germain is expected to come to an end in the summer.
Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare