In 2023, Lionel Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was coming to an end, and the possibility of a return to his beloved Barcelona seemed more real than ever. After his tearful exit in 2021 due to Barcelona's financial turmoil, the prospect of Messi gracing Camp Nou again was a tantalizing dream for fans and the club itself.
Reports indicate that Messi was indeed keen on returning to Barcelona. He reportedly initiated contact with then-Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez in January 2023, expressing his desire to come back. Messi felt ready and excited to return to the club where he spent the majority of his career, convinced that his final chapter in European football should be with Barcelona. Xavi, in turn, saw this as a golden opportunity to elevate his team, believing that even an older Messi could significantly impact the squad.
The two legends discussed roles and strategies, reaching an understanding on how Messi would fit into the team. Messi was willing to accept a different role, acknowledging that he was no longer the same player who could single-handedly dictate games. In February 2023, Messi took the initiative to involve his father, Jorge Messi, in the negotiations, inviting Xavi to speak with him to expedite the process. Barcelona president Joan Laporta was also thrilled with the prospect of Messi's return, viewing it as a chance to heal the wounds of his departure in 2021.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn. Despite La Liga initially indicating that they would approve the deal, a message arrived in April 2023 that changed everything. Mateu Alemany, Barcelona's director of football, informed Xavi that La Liga might not give the final go-ahead due to the club's precarious financial situation.
The news brought the operation to a standstill. Barcelona's position shifted, and the guarantees that Messi sought vanished. Tired of waiting and facing constant uncertainty, Messi decided to accept Inter Miami's offer. He signed a new contract with the American club, effectively ruling out a return to Barcelona as a player before his retirement.
Ultimately, Barcelona's financial constraints proved to be the insurmountable obstacle in Messi's potential return. Despite Messi's desire, Xavi's support, and the initial green light from La Liga, the club's inability to guarantee his registration due to financial fair play regulations led to the collapse of the deal. Messi admitted his dream of returning to Barcelona had failed. He has since acknowledged that he could not see himself playing for another European club other than Barcelona after the 2022 World Cup.
