Gerard Pique has spoken about a possible return for Lionel Messi to Barcelona after Paris Saint-Germain paused his contract extension talks.
Messi joined the French club on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021 – with his deal up for renewal in June. After a difficult debut campaign in Paris, he has netted 18 goals and provided 19 assists this season and has spoken of his happiness at adapting to life in France this term.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a return to Barcelona but he has been refusing to answer phone calls made on behalf of a negotiator close to Joan Laporta, who is desperate for the Argentine star to return to the Camp Nou but his negotiating tactic has so far proven unsuccessful.
Messi appears to have entirely ended his relations with Laporta, whom he feels misled him over his future two summers ago – with the club unable to offer him a contract extension at the Camp Nou, and the Argentine was only aware of this situation in August – when he then uplifted his life by moving to Paris.
The two's separations were also evident at the recent FIFA The Best awards in the French capital when Messi scooped the Men's Best Player of 2022 award. He did not speak to Laporta at all during the event after the Barca president had assured his attendance.
Messi’s former Barca teammate Pique – who retired from playing football earlier this season – has now weighed in on the debate. He provided no definitive answers, but his insight on the Argentine’s motivations and desire to stay in Europe were indicative.
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Pique insisted that "only he (Messi) knows his future", although he is betting that the Argentine will make his decision "based on his motivation" and "where he can be happiest".
The former defender claimed on radio station RAC1, as per Diario Sport : "Only he knows his future. I think that winning the World Cup was the dream he had on a personal level. It was the title he needed to be considered the best in history. Now everyone is convinced of it.
"Now everything he decides is based on where he thinks he can find happiness. The most normal thing is that he stays in Europe."
Pique added: "Barça can be there. For the Catalans, for him to return on a sentimental level would be incredible. But it is a decision for him. Here, no matter how much people say, those words are only their feelings and their motivation."
