Lionel Messi is reportedly open to the idea of re-joining Barcelona on a free transfer next year.
The 34-year-old left the Catalan giants on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 due to the team's financial problems, ultimately penning a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi's existing contract in Paris is due to expire next June, and it is believed that Barcelona are keen to bring him back to Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
According to the Daily Mail, the Argentina international is open to the idea of returning to the club, but there have not yet been any serious conversations over a deal.
The report claims that the departures of Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba on free transfers would give Barcelona the finances to re-sign Messi, who has scored eight goals and registered eight assists in 13 appearances for the French champions this season.
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When asked about Messi earlier this week, Barcelona boss Xavi said that the South American should be left "in peace to enjoy his time in Paris" but refused to rule out a future move.
"With Leo, let's see, but it's not the moment to talk about it right now. You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best," he told reporters.
"Barca is his home, but we're not doing him any favours speaking about [his future], either. Let's leave him in peace to enjoy his time in Paris and wish him all the best."
PSG football advisor Luis Campos recently said that the club wanted to extend Messi's contract and were 'hopeful' of keeping hold of him amid the recent speculation.
"I am very happy with him. Last season was difficult for him. After being an icon in Barcelona for 20 years, he had to make a major life change, in a different place and in a different league than the Spanish one," Campos told RMC Sport.
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"He needed time. Now we see a Leo who will gradually reach the level we were used to. Renew? We have to win a lot, but hopefully he can stay."
Messi scored 672 goals and registered 302 assists in 777 appearances for Barcelona before his surprise exit, winning 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies in the process.
Over the summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said that the club would do their best to bring the South American back to Camp Nou before the end of his career.
"I did what I had to do in order to put the institution above the best player in our history. I have known Messi since he was a kid and I love Leo. I feel in moral debt to Messi. He's the best player in our history and I will do my best in order to ensure he can have the best ending of his career with a Barca shirt on.," Laporta told CBS Sports.
"I would like to bring him back. It will not be easy but I think with the correct strategy we could do it. I think Messi has been the most important player in our history. During a long period of success he was the leader."
Messi has scored 19 times and registered 23 assists in 47 appearances for PSG, and he netted his second Champions League goal of the campaign in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Benfica.
Matt Law
