Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi could see a fairytale return to Barcelona become reality in the summer transfer window - with youngster Gavi in a bizarre contractual scenario which could see him leave the club.
Despite winning the league last season and looking likely to do so again this season, Messi has struggled playing for PSG, having been booed off last time in their 2-0 home loss to Rennes. With their exit from the Champions League, manager Christopher Galtier's future looking precarious to say the least and Messi ageing towards the final ebbings of his career, a move to Barcelona could be on the cards.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine World Cup winner could return to the amphitheatre where he made his glittering career with youngster Gavi positioned in a sticky situation. The report says that the return of Messi depends on a number of factors including whether Barcelona can afford his wages and if they can find room for him in their starting XI.
If he does return, Messi could likely act as a number 10, playing behind Robert Lewandowski in a star-studded lineup that boasts the likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele.
That could facilitate a move for Gavi to leave - albeit against Barcelona's wishes. Reports filtered through earlier this week that the youngster, who has already amassed 17 caps for Spain despite only turning 18 years of age in the summer, could leave the club as he is still tied into his youth contract.
Despite being one of the first names on the team sheet for Xavi, Gavi signed a deal in September until 2026 - although it enables him to leave on a free if they don't register him as a first-team player by the end of June.
The only window to change this status was during a transfer window, with Barcelona failing to do that in January's timeframe over salary limit rules. If he leaves - having been linked to Liverpool - it would open the door to Messi making a return to Catalonia.
Midfielder Sergi Roberto even went as far as saying: "I hope Messi returns to Barça. We are waiting for him, he doesn't deserve the treatment he's getting in Paris.”
