Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'have not made offer for Lionel Messi'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 01 June 2023

Barcelona allegedly fail to make an offer for Lionel Messi, despite reports to the contrary as the Paris Saint-Germain forward considers his next move.

Barcelona have reportedly not made a formal offer to secure a reunion with Lionel Messi.

In recent weeks, it has become apparent that the 2022 World Cup winner will not be extending his spell with Paris Saint-Germain into a third season.

While it has always been known that Messi would like a return to Barcelona, it was deemed to be more fantasy than reality due to the financial issues at the La Liga champions.

However, the Catalan giants are interested in bringing Messi back to Camp Nou, with the subject being openly addressed in the media.

Head coach Xavi has acknowledged that he wants the Argentine superstar to lead his squad in 2023-24, while president Joan Laporta is keen to facilitate a deal.

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on March 19, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, a proposal has not arrived for Messi from Barcelona, and there is no intention to wait for an offer which may not materialise.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Balague said: "Lionel Messi is expected to decide in the coming hours where he will be playing his football next season - the only thing that seems certain is that it will not be at Barcelona.

"Messi would have liked nothing more than to return to the place that was his home since he left Argentina as a 12-year-old in pursuit of his footballing dream.

"But his camp has told Barcelona the decision on his future is imminent and they cannot wait any longer for a proposal from them that has not arrived, despite promises the Catalan club would have something in place by now."

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal on April 8, 2023 © Reuters

Balague also claims in his column that Messi's preference has been to stay in Europe, but suitable offers have not been forthcoming in recent weeks.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal represent another realistic option for Messi with a staggering £1bn contract allegedly on the table for the 35-year-old.

Although Inter Miami have always been credited with an interest in Messi, a transfer to Major League Soccer appears unlikely at this stage.

Messi, who has contributed 32 goals and 35 assists from 74 appearances for PSG, is in line to represent the Ligue 1 champions for the final time against Clermont Foot this weekend.