Argentine legends hints at Messi’s possible return to Barcelona

Former Manchester City and Argentina footballer Pablo Zabaleta has dropped a hint that Lionel Messi could be considering returning to Barcelona next year.

The 35-year-old superstar left the Catalans last summer as he signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after the Blaugrana could not renew his contract due to financial issues.

Messi signed a two-year contract with PSG with an option of an additional twelve months. So, as things stand, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will become a free agent next summer unless he decides to extend his stay at Parc des Princes.

And rumours of a return to Barcelona have been doing a lot of rounds in recent months. Club president Joan Laporta has spoken in the media on multiple occasions stating his desire to bring Messi back to Camp Nou, claiming that the 35-year-old’s chapter at the club is not over.

Manager Xavi Hernandez is also said to be open to a reunion with his former teammate, which has prompted the Blaugrana to start working on repairing their relationship with Messi and his camp after the manner of his exit last year.

Now, Pablo Zabaleta, Messi’s former Argentine teammate, has dropped a hint that a return could very well be on the cards next summer, although he insisted that the PSG superstar is currently focusing on the World Cup.

Speaking to COPE ahead of the charity match between Barcelona and Manchester City, Zabaleta said: “Now Leo’s head is in Qatar. Football is very changeable. He has great memories of this club and the city. I have no doubt that the wife and children are missing the city.”

Given the circumstances of his exit, it would be fair to say that Messi deserves a better send-off, considering everything he achieved at Barcelona. A return and a chance to hang up his boots at Camp Nou would only be fitting.