La Liga chief Javier Tebas has told Barcelona what they will need to do to make a move for Lionel Messi happen, but admitted that they must ‘make a lot of effort’ to bring him back to the Camp Nou this summer even as a free agent.
The Argentine World Cup winner left the Blaugrana in acrimonious circumstances in 2021, when it was revealed that his lifelong club could no longer afford to register him according to La Liga rules.
He made the switch to Paris Saint Germain, where he signed a two year deal, but there is uncertainty as to whether he will extend that partnership in the French capital beyond this summer, when he will be a free agent as it stands.
It has sparked plenty of speculation that a return to the soon-to-be La Liga Champions could be on the cards, and Tebas has admitted that it is indeed a possibility, but warned that it wouldn’t be easy.
Lionel Messi of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match Paris Saint Germain v Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on January 11, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo by Christian Liewig/ABACAPRESS.COM 2M83A5F Lionel Messi of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match Paris Saint Germain v Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on January 11, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo by Christian Liewig/ABACAPRESS.COM (Alamy Stock Photo)
“Today he could not be registered, but there is still time,” he told reporters.
“We are awaiting a feasibility plan. They can sell players, for sure — but they still have some players to register too
“Hopefully, for La Liga, Barça will make the necessary moves for Messi to come, but we will not change a rule for Messi to return.
“I would like Messi to play in this competition”, he added, with the Argentine previously the face of La Liga alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi is also thought to be subject to interest from Saudi side Al-Hilal, where he would once again come face-to-face with Ronaldo, and there are offers from the MLS on the table too.