Barcelona believe that Messi’s return in 2023 will be ‘extremely difficult’ to pull off

Over the past few months, there have been a lot of speculations about Lionel Messi and his future. The former Barcelona captain is in the final year of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and a return to Spotify Camp Nou has been touted heavily.

In fact, club president Joan Laporta has, on several occasions, talked up the prospect of re-signing Messi, stating that the Argentine legend’s chapter with Barça is still not over.

However, according to journalist Toni Juanmarti on Beteve, despite the rumours, Barcelona have been trying to lower the euphoria around the potential return of Messi to the club next year as they see the operation as ‘extremely difficult’ to pull off.

The 35-year-old left Camp Nou last year after his contract with Barça expired and the club were in no financial position to offer a renewal.

However, recent revelations have indicated that Laporta, at one point, looked set to go ahead with Messi’s contract extension only to pull away at the last moment.

It has led to a complete breakdown of the relationship between Messi’s camp and the Barcelona president.

The update from Toni Juanmarti further states that there have been no calls from the club’s side made to Messi or his camp to apologise for the manner of his exit and mend the relationship.

So, even though there has been a lot of talk about a potential return, as things stand, Barça believe it as nearly impossible to pull off.

Moreover, there have also been speculations that Messi himself might want to move to the MLS, with Inter Miami being touted as a possible destination for the seven-time Ballon d’Or.

A contract extension at PSG also remains a possibility considering that he has been doing very well this term and seems to be enjoying his football. So, as things stand, Messi’s return to Barcelona in 2023 looks extremely complicated and may not materialise.