Lionel Messi is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain this summer and there have been suggestions that he plans to return to Barcelona next summer – but it is understood no decision has been made.
Messi joined PSG on a two-year contract 12 months ago from the Catalan giants as a free agent and after a difficult first season in the French capital – where he netted just six domestic goals – he now appears to be finding his top form. The 35-year-old has already bagged six goals this campaign, alongside multiple assists.
That has led to suggestions from Barca's economic vice president Eduard Romeu that a sensational return to the Camp Nou for the Argentine would be possible. Messi left the club as they could not afford to register his contract and wages – an obstacle that has been overcome due to the sale of club assets and an influx of cash.
Romeu's comments followed similar endorsements from Barca boss Xavi Hernandez and club president Joan Laporta. They have all talked up the possibility of a sensational return to the club for Messi.
Laporta recently opened the door for a return for Messi: "We have a moral debt with him in this sense. We would like the end of his career to be with the Barca shirt and being applauded in all fields."
Asked whether he would want Messi to return to the Nou Camp, Barca boss Xavi told reporters: "Yes, but at the moment, Leo has a contract with another club, so it's impossible. It's impossible. It doesn't make sense talking about Messi now."
However, Barca's public stance appears to be at odds with their approach behind the scenes. There have been no conversations held between the club and their former player, and while a return has not been entirely ruled out, there is nothing currently to suggest that a move is on the cards.
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The relationship between Messi and Barcelona's current board remains 'cold and distant', as described by Marca. The Argentine still has a 'bad taste in his mouth' from the manner of his exit last summer, when he believes he was misled that a new contract would be on the table before being informed at the eleventh hour that was not justifiable.
As outlined by Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, PSG are actively working on renewing Messi's deal and are hopeful of adding one further season to his existing contract on the same terms, while adding the option of another year. Nothing new has developed from the player's side although it is clear that both PSG and Barcelona are keen to secure his services beyond this campaign.
