Robert Lewandowski has spoken of his desire to play alongside Lionel Messi just days after Barcelona president Joan Laporta talked up a sensational return to the Camp Nou for the Argentine.
Messi joined the French giants on a two-year contract in the summer of 2021 after Barcelona were unable to register a new contract for the playmaker due to their financial situation. After a difficult debut campaign in Paris, he has netted 12 goals and provided 14 assists this term and has spoken of his happiness at adapting to life in France.
The superstar played a key role in Argentina’s remarkable World final victory over France earlier this month. Messi broke multiple records in the final and, while he eventually missed out on the Golden Boot to PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe – whose stunning hat-trick twice pegged back Argentina in the showpiece event – the 35-year-old eventually got his hands on the trophy after netting two goals of his own.
Messi has been refusing to answer phone calls made on behalf of a negotiator close to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who is desperate for the Argentine star to return to Camp Nou. Laporta's negotiating tactics have so far failed for a player who is out of contract on 30 June.
Laporta had planned to meet with his former star player during his visit to the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Paris in October, but such attempts were unsuccessful. MLS club Inter Miami are another club in pursuit of the Argentine, but despite reports that a deal had been agreed upon at the end of the season, the star now appears to be staying in Paris beyond this campaign.
Barcelona president Laporta, despite his failed attempts thus far, has continued to publicly speak up about a possible return to the club for Messi. Last week, he claimed he would “very much” like Messi to return to the Camp Nou.
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Speaking in an interview with El Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has reiterated his desire to play alongside Messi before they both hang up their boots – likely to spark speculation that the Argentine could return to the Camp Nou.
When asked if he would like to play in the same team as Messi, Lewandowski replied: “It's not up to me. Of course, we see that now he plays more like a 'playmaker', maybe he scores fewer goals and gives more passes to his teammates although he continues to score them.
“But compared to other times, he is now the footballer that any striker would dream of playing alongside him.”
