Lionel Messi 'seriously considering Barcelona return'

The Argentina international only has a contract with Paris Saint-Germain until June, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future in the French capital.

Messi is believed to be considering all options on the table, which include signing a new deal in Paris, moving to Saudi Arabia or the MLS, or making an emotional return to Barcelona this summer.

PSG head coach Christophe Galtier has revealed that the club are "talking a lot" with the 35-year-old over a potential new deal, with the Ligue 1 champions desperate to keep hold of him.

"It's too early to know his future," Galtier told reporters. "He, the board and the president are talking a lot. I've already said that his stay would be positive news for everyone. I know there has been a lot of criticism after Bayern Munich, but he has been decisive in many moments of the season."

The world of football was shocked when Messi left Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, with the Catalan club's financial issues leading to them losing the forward.

The World Cup winner has made 65 appearances in all competitions for PSG, scoring 29 goals and registering 32 assists in the process.

Messi has 18 goals and 17 assists in 31 outings at club level this term, but the French giants were again left frustrated in the Champions League, being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

As it stands, no decision has been made on his future, but according to FootMercato, the Argentine is seriously considering returning to Barcelona on a free transfer.

The report claims that Barcelona are desperately attempting 'to find a solution' when it comes to Messi, with the Catalan outfit still having financial problems.

Gerard Pique, who played alongside Messi at Camp Nou, recently talked up a potential return to the club for his former teammate.

Meanwhile, Barcelona head coach Xavi has insisted that the 'doors are open' for the forward to head back to the club this summer.

Messi scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists in 777 appearances for the Catalan outfit in all competitions between 2004 and 2021, winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies during a highly-successful spell.

Barcelona have suffered more disappointment in Europe this season, exiting both the Champions League and Europa League, but they are nine points clear at the top of the La Liga table, while they are leading Real Madrid 1-0 ahead of the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.