Lionel Messi is letting his dad do the talking as he closes in on a sensational return to Barcelona.
The World Cup winner is leaving PSG in acrimonious circumstances, despite helping the Parisian giants to a second successive Ligue 1 title. The Argentinian was jeered by fans in his final appearance on Sunday, having left club officials irate over his impromptu business trip to Saudi Arabia in May.
The saga only served to fuel rumours that Messi's next move would be to the Middle East, with the Saudi Pro League now boasting Real Madrid icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in their ranks. Another Barca icon in Sergio Busquets is also being targeted with a mega-money offer.
Messi left the Nou Camp against his will in the summer of 2021, breaking down in tears as he announced his departure. But current boss Xavi, who was Messi's team-mate during Barca's years dominating Spanish and European football, has called on president Joan Laporta to bring him back to Spain.
"I'm in no doubt that if Messi were to return, he would help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football," he recently told reporters. "I am in no doubt and I've told this to the president. He continues to be a determined footballer, he has the hunger still."
And it appears that Laporta is listening to his manager. After La Liga approved the transfer, video footage has emerged of the club chief meeting Messi's dad and agent Jorge, with the return of the playmaker undoubtedly on the agenda.
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The meeting lasted more than 20 minutes, with Jorge afterwards telling JijantesFC: "He would love to return." But Messi Snr stopped short of revealing whether or not an agreement had been reached.
His son's initial 17-year stint with the Catalan giants cemented an unrivalled legacy, helping the club win 10 league titles and four Champions League wins. He also scored an incredible 672 goals in 778 appearances.
But amid their own financial troubles, it remains to be seen if the newly crowned La Liga champions can offer Messi an adequate deal. And time is running out, with Sport reporting that Saudi side Al-Hilal are hoping to introduce the 35-year-old as their latest signing as early as Tuesday.
