Barcelona 'not in contact with Lionel Messi over return'

Speculation has been rife surrounding a reunion with La Blaugrana for the Argentine, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 amid Barca's financial turmoil.

Messi endured a mixed season during his debut campaign at the Parc des Princes, and he only has one year left to run on his contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

PSG and Messi can agree to extend his stay until the summer of 2024, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner supposedly has no intention of penning fresh terms at the Parc des Princes.

Barcelona vice-president Eduard Romeu recently added fuel to the fire surrounding a Messi reunion, claiming that his side now possess the financial muscle to make a move feasible.

Speaking to El Mati de Catalunya Radio, Romeu said: "It would be possible financially because if he returned it would be as a free agent.

"But it's a decision which has to be made by the coaching staff and the player. It doesn't correspond to me [to make those decisions], but it would be viable. Although I don't have it in the budget."

Joan Laporta and Xavi have also publicly declared their desires to bring Messi back to Catalonia, but a fresh report from Marca has poured cold water on such hopes.

The report claims that there have been no discussions between Messi and Barcelona over a move back to Camp Nou, and the relationship between player and club is at 'maximum coldness'.

As a result, there is only a 'very remote' possibility that the 35-year-old could ever don the Blaugrana shirt again, as he still feels betrayed by Laporta in the wake of his emotional exit.

Furthermore, Barcelona would supposedly have to cut some names from their playing squad and upstairs roles to facilitate Messi's return, as the attacker was left aggrieved at unnamed people for their roles in his exit.

Despite claims that Messi is preparing to leave PSG in the summer of 2023, a separate report from Cadena SER - via AS - claims that Les Parisiens are working to renew his contract.

President Nasser Al-Khelaifi is said to have been in contact with Messi's family to present the proposal, which would be for another year with the option of a second, and he would continue to pocket his yearly €30m (£26.3m) salary.

The former Newell's Old Boys youngster left Barcelona after becoming their all-time record goalscorer and appearance maker with 672 strikes in 778 outings, as well as 303 assists.

Messi scooped the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title with PSG last year and has opened the new campaign in strong form, registering six goals and eight assists from 11 games in all competitions.