A Barcelona executive has insisted that it is "possible" for Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou.
Messi signed a two-year deal with PSG in August 2021 after leaving Barcelona due to the club's financial situation.
The Argentine has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract, and he is delaying talks over a new deal until after the World Cup.
With Messi free to discuss terms with other clubs in January, Barcelona vice-president of economics, Eduard Romeu, has indicated that they could look to sign their former star in 2023.
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.
"He is an icon of the club. This will always be his home, but it will be a technical decision [if he returns]."
While Messi's long-term future in the French capital is uncertain, he will look to continue his fine start to the season when he returns from the international break after scoring six goals and providing eight assists in 11 appearances for PSG this term.
