Author: Amrit Santlani
Lionel Messi is still talking to Barcelona, as the Catalans are working to make the return of their prodigal son a reality. The Paris Saint-Germain striker is currently in the final months of his contract with PSG, with a contract extension looking increasingly unlikely with each passing day.
According to a report in El Nacional, Messi has imposed one condition for his possible return to the Camp Nou: the 35-year-old wants his former teammate Sergio Busquets to also be at the Club. The pair have played together since they were children at La Masia and the Argentinian, a World Cup winner, wants his friend to stay at Barcelona if he returns to Spain.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner left Barça in 2021 amid financial difficulties for the club to renew his contract. he first broke through and conquered the whole of Europe.
Busquets has played for Barcelona throughout his career and the legendary midfielder’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season. A possible move to the MLS has been discussed for the Spaniard, but Messi wants him to stay. On his return, the Argentinian wants to team up with Busquets.
The PSG star has scored 29 goals and 32 assists for the Ligue 1 giants since joining. In recent games, he has been booed by the Parisian faithful, as Messi is aware of his deal with Barcelona.
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Former Barça president Joan Gaspart spoke about the legendary striker returning to his boyhood club:
“If he decides based on economic reasons, he’ll certainly get better offers, but if he does it with his heart, there’s no place in the world that wants him as much as Barça,” said Gaspart according to GOAL.
The La Liga giants need to sort out their finances if they want to secure Messi’s services again, as they need to stay within FFP rules.