Barcelona have been constantly linked with re-signing their club legend Lionel Messi, after he left the club last summer. Messi joined PSG last summer, after the Catalan were unable to register their all-time top scorer due to their financial books which were marred with poor records. However, president Joan Laporta has vowed to bring back the Argentine to help him end his illustrious career at the club.
This summer, the rumours and reports of Barca plotting to bring back Messi took a pace after Laporta publicly announced that the club has already set in motion their plans. On the other hand, PSG too are battle-ready to keep the talismanic playmaker beyond the summer of 2023. While Messi’s current contract has an option of continuing at the club for another 12 months post the next summer, its up to the 35-year-old whether to trigger it or not. But Barcelona will also need three major ‘miracles’ to go their way if Messi his to arrive at Camp Nou, according to Sport.
Barcelona Need The Magic Of ‘Three Miracles’ For Lionel Messi To Make A Return
Barcelona’s financial situation was so dire that there were speculations that the club was not paying the salaries of their players. While the players themselves came forward and dismissed such reports, the Catalan outfit’s debt of over €1.5 billion was no secret. However, Laporta and co found a way to overcome this liability as they sold a good chunk of club’s assets to attain economic stability.
That gave them a war-chest of €150 million to complete a massive 7 signings this summer, signing the likes of some superstars in Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde. Furthermore, this financial stability has instilled a sense of optimism in the club that they will be able to stage a comeback of Lionel Messi next summer. However, according to Sport the Catalans will need the favour of some external factors, rather ‘miracles’ for the seven-time Ballon d’Or to reject an extension at PSG and re-join his beloved Barca.
First and foremost, Lionel Messi himself holds the key to his return. The player will need to come out with the decision that he wants to leave PSG and link up with his former teammate Xavi at Barcelona. While the thought of returning to Spain may have crossed Messi’s mind a thousand times, that hasn’t affected his on-field performance. The winger has had a brilliant start to new season, so far accumulating 7 goals and 8 assists in just 12 games. Moreover, Messi is enjoying playing alongside his ‘best friend’ Neymar and if he he’s able to lift the coveted Champions League trophy this season, it may lure him to stay with the Parisians.
Secondly, thought Barca have attained an economic stability, they will still need to ensure that they have all the finances ready to sustain Messi’s return. The club is already paying lucrative salaries to their players, and are yet to clear the fringe players who make a big part of their wage bill. However, they may get some help here as two of their top earners Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique are reportedly set to bid adieu to the club next summer.
And the third miracle, which is rather most important is Messi’s induction into Xavi’s system. There are no doubts raised here on the ‘La Pulga’s ability, but Barca moved on after losing Messi and Xavi has established his set-up. The Spaniard has built his front three of Dembele-Lewandowski-Raphinha, with more attacking potent in Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Memphis Depay available on the bench. It will be a mammoth task for Xavi to fit in Messi in such a stacked frontline. But perhaps, he could take a leaf out of PSG coach Christophe Galtier’s book who has had Neymar, Mbappe and Messi clicking together.
Barcelona will need these three miracles to come together if they aspire to welcome Messi back to Spotify Camp Nou. However, the Catalans must also anticipate a stern fight from PSG as their Qatari owners can pull-off miracles of their own as they did by extending Kylian Mbappe who was all set to join Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has announced that he will be playing his last ever World Cup this year in Qatar, and is focused on bringing it home. He is slated to make a decision on his club future only after the global tournament which concludes in December.