Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that the club's "doors are open" for Lionel Messi to return to the club at the end of the campaign.
The world of football was shocked when Messi left Camp Nou in the summer of 2021, with the Catalan outfit unable to sign him to a new contract due to their financial problems.
The 35-year-old has spent the last two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 29 goals and registering 32 assists in 66 appearances in all competitions.
However, Messi's contract in Paris is due to expire at the end of June, and he is believed to be leaning towards leaving the French champions on a free transfer for pastures new.
Clubs from the MLS and Saudi Arabia are interested in the forward, who helped Argentina win the World Cup towards the end of last year.
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However, a return to Barcelona is also seen as a serious possibility, with Messi said to be keen to move back to Camp Nou this summer, potentially on a one-year deal before ending his career in North America.
Laporta has insisted that the club's "doors are open" for "the most important player in Barca's history".
The president, though, is aware that the relationship between the two parties needs to be rebuilt, with Messi hurt by his shock exit from the club.
"Messi knows that Barca's doors are open to him. We will see. I have to find a way to improve the current relationship between Messi and Barca," Laporta told YouTube channel The Business and Money Behind Sports.
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"The legacy I found when I became president was not a good one and I had to make a decision that I am not happy with.
"Messi is the best player in history. He has been the most important player in Barca's history. I have to be very careful what I say. Messi is a PSG player and I have to have respect. Leo knows that we have him in our hearts. He is part of our shield."
Messi represented Barcelona's first team between 2004 and 2021, scoring 672 goals and registering 302 assists in 777 appearances for the Catalan giants in all competitions.
Meanwhile, he lifted 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies during his time at Camp Nou.
A return to Barcelona for Messi could allegedly lead to Sergio Busquets signing a new contract at the club.
