Lionel Messi makes Barcelona U-turn as Joan Laporta details transfer discussions

Barcelona are continuing their attempts to bring Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou, with the Paris Saint-German superstar set to be available on a free in the summer transfer window

Lionel Messi “wants” to return to Barcelona this summer and president Joan Laporta says the club ‘will do everything they can’ to bring him back to the Camp Nou.

Messi, 35, is set to exit Paris Saint-Germain in June at the end of his two-year contract. The Argentine icon left Barcelona after more than two decades in 2021 amid the club’s well-documented financial woes. But now Laporta has spoken to Messi, previously said to be decided on a move to Saudi Arabia, and ‘recovered their relationship’ to set the wheels in motion for a sensational homecoming.

After Barcelona secured their first LaLiga title in four years on Sunday, beating local rivals Espanyol 4-2 away from home to assure an unassailable 14-point lead over arch enemies Real Madrid, Laporta told Jijantes: “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona.” Monday morning then saw even stronger claims from the Barca head honcho.

“I’ve spoken with Leo. It was very nice,” Laporta revealed to TV3. “We have recovered the relationship. Messi wants Barca, he feels this club is his home. Saudi Arabia? Barca is Barca. In Arabia, they are doing a good job, investing – but I insist, Barca is his home. Barca can compete with anyone”

Also on Monday, after partying alongside Barca’s title-winning squad, the chief told RAC1: “I spoke with Messi recently, we have a relationship with him. Messi is the best player in the world and any coach would want him in his team.”

Laporta then acknowledged Messi’s recent issues at PSG, with fans booing him during their recent 5-0 victory over Ajaccio after returning from a club-imposed suspension. The Argentina international had travelled to Saudi without PSG’s permission, a decision which sparked more speculation about a transfer to the Saudi Pro League, where eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo now plays.

“He had some unpleasant incidents with the fans in Paris, I won’t disturb him right now,” Laporta continued. “We exchanged some messages recently. Barca is Messi’s home and Barça can compete with Saudi Arabia and everyone.”

Barcelona manager Xavi also wants to see ex-team-mate Messi return, saying in March: “We are friends, we speak often, but it’s not the moment to talk about this, for the good of Leo, the club or the squad.

“It’s an issue we’re dealing [with], but from that to [him returning] is a big leap. I hope we see him come home. I’m the first person who would love to see the best player ever return. And it is normal that fans are excited about a ‘Last Dance’ like [with] Michael Jordan.”