Barcelona VP Confirms Lionel Messi Transfer Talks

Could the Barcelona star return to his former club after his PSG stint?

Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June, and Barcelona is interested in a reunion with the soccer star.

Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed to ESPN on Friday that the club is looking into the possibility of re-signing Messi.

“I am still gutted he couldn’t continue here,” Yuste said. “Of course I would like him to come back, because of what he represents on a sporting, social and economic level. We are in contact with [Messi’s camp], yes. Beautiful stories should have happy endings, and there is mutual love between the two parties.

“… I don’t like to speak about Leo because he is a PSG player, but if all conditions are met, we are open to the possibility. President [Laporta] has been with Leo’s father and there is a good relationship.”

Messi left Barcelona for PSG in 2021 after Barça couldn’t afford to pay him in a new deal. Barcelona is still in violation of LaLiga’s economic regulations and will need to eliminate 150 million euro from their annual spending in order to be able to sign players and renew contracts.

However, if the financial conditions are met, there is no question that Messi’s longtime club would be interested in a reunion. The question remains whether or not Messi would be interested in coming back to the place where he has spent the majority of his professional career.