Barcelona chief says he will ‘do everything we can to bring Lionel Messi back’ ahead of summer transfer pursuit
BARCELONA’s president has promised to “do everything” to bring Lionel Messi back to the club.
The Argentine legend infuriated Paris Saint-Germain when he missed training for an unsanctioned visit the Middle East with his family recently.
He was then slapped with a suspension by PSG for the unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia – although they later backed down.
In his first game back after the incident, the 35-year-old was jeered and whistled by some of the team’s supporters in their 5-0 win over Ajaccio.
Messi now looks set to depart, along with world-record signing Neymar, who SunSport understands is another target for United, with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
And there is also a host of interest from the MLS in bringing him to the States.
However, fresh from clinching the LaLiga title last night with a 4-2 win at Espanyol, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed to try and re-sign the icon.
He told Jijantes: “We will do everything we can to bring Leo Messi back to Barcelona.”
Vice-president Rafa Yuste also added to Carrusel: “Messi? He’s a very good friend of many guys who are celebrating La Liga today… I’m sure he is so happy! I would love Messi to come back.”
And Laporta has also now revealed that to RAC1 he has already been in contact with the superstar.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
He said: “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. He had some unpleasant incidents with the fans in Paris, I won’t disturb him right now.
“We exchanged some messages recently. Barca is Messi’s home and Barca can compete with Saudi Arabia and everyone.”
Messi departed the Nou Camp in 2021 due to the club’s financial difficulties making a new contract impossible.
He penned a two-year deal with PSG but the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will become a free agent in June.