Barcelona president Joan Laporta is singing a new song and vowing to do all he can to re-sign Lionel Messi next summer when the Argentine star’s contract with PSG expires.
Messi, 35, was left no no alternatives but to exit the Nou Camp to join the French giants on a free transfer in 2021, signaling an emotional end to his 21-year Barcelona career.
Laporta last week made the rare admission he feels ‘indebted’ to the Argentine superstar, and is resolved to do everything in his power to lure him back to the Catalan club next year.
‘I would like him to end his career in a Barca shirt, and be applauded at all the stadiums.
‘I feel partially responsible for how things ended, and I feel that this is a temporary end and that we will make this dream a reality. At least that is the dream.’
Ongoing financial problems had prevented Barcelona from offering Messi anywhere close to his £500,000-a-week contract in 2021, prompting the forward to seek fresh pastures in France.
The global superstar to whom many have attributed GOAT status unequivocally broke down in tears during his exit interview but could now be set for an equally emotional return in 2023 if Laporta is able to machinate a spectacular deal.
Messi notched 670 goals and 302 assists in 776 games during his two-decade spell with the LaLiga giants.
Most surprisingly, Barcelona have seemingly managed to turn their problematic financial situation around quite miraculously through TV rights sales this summer, splurging over £140million on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, Leeds winger Raphinha and Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.