Barcelona branded

Barcelona have been warned they are a " Europa League team without Lionel Messi " - with the chances of a romantic reunion next summer now deemed 'improbable'.

The footballing world was left stunned when Messi departed the Spanish giants to join Paris Saint-Germain last summer as a direct consequence of Barcelona's financial issues. The Argentine superstar endured a difficult maiden season in France, but has found form for Christophe Galtier's side this term.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are still trying to adapt to life without their talisman. The Catalan outfit have been reinvigorated by Xavi Hernandez, who succeeded Ronald Koeman last year, but the Spaniard has struggled to improve Barcelona's fortunes in Europe.

The club are on the brink of an exiting the Champions League at the group stage for a second consecutive year following Wednesday night's dramatic 3-3 draw with Inter Milan. Despite Robert Lewandowski's late heroics, Barcelona will drop into the Europa League if Inter can defeat bottom side Viktoria Plzen in a fortnights time.

As a result, Barcelona were hammered in the Spanish press, with Mundo Deportivo claiming that the club are unable to compete in Europe's elite competition without Messi, who has been heavily linked with a sensational return to the club. However, there are no guarantees that the 35-year-old will re-join Barca when his current deal expires next summer, despite rumours to the contrary.

According to a fresh report from SPORT, there is 'very, very little chance' that Messi will re-join the club - even though club president Joan Laporta would 'like' to reach an agreement that would see the Barcelona legend return to Spain.

Join the debate! Do you think Messi will return to Barcelona? Let us know here.

Uncertainty over Messi is the last thing PSG need in the wake of reports claiming Kylian Mbappe is unhappy at the club and is once again angling for a move away. The French striker shunned the advances of Real Madrid to pen a lucrative new three-year deal back in May - but Mbappe has now made a shock U-turn as his relationship at the club has completely broken down.

Spanish publication Marca have claimed Mbappe asked to leave the club in July, but there is no chance of a move to Real Madrid being rekindled due to a condition that prevents him from quitting Paris to join Los Blancos.

But that agreement would not prevent other European heavyweights from being able to acquire the 23-year-old's services if they have the appetite to pursue a deal with PSG in the New Year.

PSG sporting director Luis Campos has insisted Mbappe has "never talked about leaving" the club in January, but it is believed the striker is keen on sourcing an exit from the club.

Read more

Mirror Football's top stories

Sky Sports apologise to Cooper

FA probe Arsenal vs Liverpool bust-up

Henry reveals manager offers

Kylian Mbappe slammed for "sulking"