First Xavi, Now Dani Alves- Is Lionel Messi Also Looking for a Return to FC Barcelona?

When Barcelona let Lionel Messi leave the club, they let go of a club legend. With Barcelona already in financial crisis, Messi’s move to PSG sounded like the death knell for Barca fans. However, with club legend Xavi back at the club as a manager, fans are hopeful that the Barca of old can make a return.

Moreover, former right-back Dani Alves rejoined the club to send the fans into raptures. Although there are question marks about his effectiveness at 38-years of age, his influence in the dressing room would certainly help younger players. With Alves and Xavi returning, is there scope of a return for the Argentinian wizard as well?

Lionel Messi wanted to stay in Barcelona

With much fanfare and excitement, Messi arrived at PSG to take them to the elusive Champions League title. However, it hasn’t gone exactly to plan. Although scoring three Champions League goals is brilliant, he is yet to find the scoresheet in the French League. Injuries have dampened his start in the Parisian club as well.

Recently, he traveled to take part in the qualifying matches of Argentina, irking the sporting director of PSG.

Soccer Football – Lionel Messi holds an FC Barcelona press conference – 1899 Auditorium, Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – August 8, 2021 Lionel Messi during the press conference REUTERS/Albert Gea

The move away from Barcelona was forced by circumstances as the Argentinian wanted to stay. But the club’s finances meant Barca could not afford him. Despite that, Messi spoke about how he wanted to stay in Barcelona.

“Never at any moment did they ask me to play for free. They asked me to reduce my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were willing to help the club more. My desire and that of my family was to stay in Barcelona,” said Messi.

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Will Messi return to Barcelona?

His return would automatically boost the club because Messi can still weave magic on a soccer pitch. Even if you ignore the fact that he’s the best soccer player in the world, his return would be brilliant for Barca’s finances in terms of the sponsorship and shirt sale revenue that they would generate.

In Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Gavi, Barcelona have a string of extremely talented youngsters for the future. And Messi’s arrival would help them develop into potential world-beaters.

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Paris St Germain v Olympique Lyonnais – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – September 19, 2021 Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino with Lionel Messi as he is subsituted REUTERS/Benoit Tessier TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

With Xavi at the helm and the arrival of Daniel Alves, Messi’s influential personality would do wonders for the club.

Despite many talented players at PSG, Messi doesn’t look entirely comfortable in Paris – on the pitch or off it. Do you think a return could be on the cards?

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