Lionel Messi transfer: Lionel Messi will be playing his last match at Parc Des Princes. His contract binds him to PSG until June 30. However, as per Barcelona coach Xavi who has been in contact with the former Barcelona player, Messi will decide on his future within next week. Ahead of their last La Liga match this weekend against Celta Vigo, Xavi also said that bringing Leo Messi back to Barcelona is their top priority this transfer window. Follow La Liga LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
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Coach Xavi previously said that Leo Messi has informed, he will make a decision on his future next weekend. Ahead of Barcelona’s last match of the season this weekend against Celta Vigo, Xavi was asked about the possibilities of Messi’s arrival. He said, “The priorities are very clear. I would very much like Messi to return. He knows it, and I have spoken with him. It’s up to him. The football priority, apart from Messi, is to sign a pivot. It would be the ideal scenario, it would improve us as a whole.”
PSG have their last match of the season against Clermont Foot this weekend. Confirming this match to be Messi’s last with PSG, coach Christophe Galtier said ahead of the game, “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.” There has been no news from Leo Messi’s entourage as to where he might go next.
However, Leo Messi has offers from several clubs including Barcelona and Inter Miami. The biggest offer he’s received has come from Saudi club Al-Hilal. They have offered the player more than €500 million per season. However, it is most likely that Messi will choose to return to Barcelona. Barcelona have also repeatedly informed that they have been in contact with the Argentine. Coach Xavi and President Joan Laporta have both confirmed that the club is trying its best to bring back the World Cup winner.
However, their financial issues that caused Messi to leave Barcelona 2 years ago are yet to be solved. Those issues have become the sole hindrance in the way of Messi’s comeback. La Liga has ordered Barcelona to shake off over €200 million from their wage bill. Barcelona have made viability plans and have presented them to La Liga. However, La Liga are yet to give them the permission. That’s why Barcelona have not been able to present Messi with a proper offer.
However, Barcelona’s intentions have been clear going into the transfer window. They are saying goodbye to veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Basquets. Reportedly, Alba has also waved off 60% of his anticipated salary after the termination of his contact. Barcelona are also planning to sell several players this season including Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and more. This will help them gain a hold on their financial situation. It could also help them bring back Lionel Messi and bring on replacement of the players that are leaving.
Xavi said ahead of their match against Celta Vigo, “The club is optimistic, but it’s not definitive. The President is a very optimistic person, he always transmits confidence and security to me. I’m not uneasy, I’m just waiting.” Even if Messi takes a pay cut to come back to Barcelona, the club will still have to give him the highest salary among all. Hence, even though Laporta and Xavi are assuring the fans, it will still be a difficult thing to attain Leo Messi.
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