Messi and Barcelona claimed to have ‘opened negotiations’ for sensational return
Negotiations have started between Lionel Messi and Barcelona for his sensational return, according to reports in Spain.
Catalunya Radio claimed on Sunday (August 7) evening that Barca president Joan Laporta has opened discussions with Messi's representatives, including his agent and dad Jorge.
The 35-year-old has less than 12 months left on the two-year PSG contract he signed last summer, though he can extend it if he wants. His Camp Nou exit was forced upon him due to the Catalan club's financial difficulties, with his emotional press conference a clear sign he didn't want to leave.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi nets first ever bicycle kick as star finally hits form for PSG
Laporta has recently made his intention to bring Messi back clear. He told ESPN last month: "Messi was everything to Barca, he's been possibly its greatest player, the most efficient.
"To me he's only comparable to Johan Cruyff. But it had to happen one day. We had to make a decision as a consequence of what we inherited. The institution is in charge of players, coaches.
"I would hope that the Messi chapter isn't over. I think it's our responsibility to try to find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn't closed, so it turns out like it should have, and that it has a more beautiful ending."
Should Messi return after how Barcelona treated him? Let us know in the comments section.
Laporta was then quizzed about Messi by CBS Sports in a following interview. He said: "I did what I had to do in order to put the institution above the best player in history. I've known Messi since he was a kid, I love Leo.
"I feel a moral debt to the best player in history. I'll do my best to make sure Messi has the best ending of his career with Barcelona.
"I would like to do it. It will not be easy but I think that with the correct strategy we could do it. We will do our best to have Messi ending his career with Barcelona."
Earlier this year Messi was linked with a move to the MLS to play for David Beckham's Inter Miami once his contract is up, but the report stated that suggestion has since cooled with a Barca return seemingly a possibility.
By his standards he had a poor season last time out but he's kicked off the new campaign in style. He's bagged three goals and an assist in PSG's first two games of the season, including his first ever bicycle kick.
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