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Carlos Puyol talks up Lionel Messi Barcelona return

By Ben Sully | 06 September 2022

Former Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol believes that Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona when his contract expires next summer.

Former Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol has claimed that Lionel Messi could return to the Catalan giants.

Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after Barcelona's financial situation meant that they had to release the Argentine from his contract.

After scoring only 11 goals in 34 appearances last season, Messi has hit the ground running in the current campaign, finding the net in four of the seven games that he has played.

Despite performing well alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, with less than a year left on his contract, Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona.

His former teammate Puyol believes that the door is open for the 35-year-old to rejoin a club where he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances.

Puyol told Goal: "It's not too late for a Leo Messi return, he has one year left in his contract and many things can happen in that time. It depends on Xavi and Leo, but he will always be welcomed at Barca."

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barcelona on August 28, 2022 © Reuters

The ex-Spain international also passed comment on the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, who has already netted five goals in four games for his new club.

Puyol said: "He is one of the best strikers in the world, and not only because of the goal, which he has. He unloads, he knows how to hold the ball, he knows how to combine, hopefully he can win the Ballon d'Or."

"He deserves it for the good years he has had and now he has to win it at Barca. It will be a good sign."

Meanwhile, Barcelona have won three and drawn one of their opening four La Liga games, and Puyol believes that his former club can challenge Real Madrid for the title.

The 44-year-old added: "I am convinced that Barcelona can fight Real Madrid one on one.

"A very good job has been done and now it's up to Xavi, the players, and also the fans, to be all together, all at one, it's always easier that way, especially in difficult moments."

Messi and PSG teammates are currently preparing to face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Barcelona begin their European campaign a day later against Viktoria Plzen.