Following Lionel Messi’s unexpected exit from Barcelona in 2021, things have not really gone according to plan for either the club or the player. The Catalan giants have not been able to make it out of the Champions League group stage without him, while his run at PSG has left a lot to be desired as well. Of course, the 35-year-old did win the World Cup with Argentina. And Real Madrid fans will have their eyes on rumours of a possible return to Camp Nou this summer.
There have been a lot of suggestions in recent weeks that both Barcelona and Messi want the return to happen. And it will be interesting to see how things turn out.
Messi’s current deal with PSG is set to run out in the summer and they have not managed to agree on an extension yet. On the other hand, the French club’s fans have booed the Argentine on more than one occasion in the past.
What does Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, make of the situation and Messi possibly returning to Barcelona? As reported by Relevo, the Italian said:
"“Messi can do whatever he wants. Barcelona too. It’s not an issue for me. I like him as a player.”"
Real Madrid boss makes Messi to Barcelona claim
Messi might be 35 years of age, but he remains one of the best players in the world. He showed that at the World Cup, carrying Argentina to glory. And he has shown that in a PSG shirt on numerous occasions as well, even though the French club have never managed to find the right set up to get the very best out of him.
Messi returning to Barcelona would make the Catalan giants stronger in more ways than one. As a result, Real Madrid must be ready to strengthen in the summer as well.
Let’s see what the future holds. But the eyes of the footballing world will be on this Messi and Barcelona situation for the next few months at least.