Barcelona legend wants Messi return in the summer: “I see Leo, I see Barça”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta did not hold back when he expressed his desire to sign Lionel Messi this summer.

The club have been linked with a move for the Argentine international for a while now, with the player likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

Many former Barcelona footballers have backed the club to re-sign Messi, including Gerard Pique, even though he reportedly did not share the best of relationships with the Argentine during the end of his Barça spell.

Now, former Barcelona superstar Thierry Henry has clamoured for Messi’s return to Camp Nou, suggesting that the attacker’s name resonates with Barcelona.

“I’d like to see Messi come back to Barcelona. When I see Leo I see Barça,” he said in a recent media interaction (h/t Diario SPORT).

Henry shared the pitch with Messi at Barcelona from 2007 to 2010. The former Arsenal star had played a key role in the Argentine’s development at Camp Nou, forming a truly formidable attacking partnership alongside him.

Henry’s companionship led to Messi winning his first Ballon d’Or title in 2009. Currently the owner of second-tier Italian club Como, it appears the Frenchman wants Messi to return after his two-year spell at PSG.

Messi himself has indicated that he is interested in a return to Camp Nou. But his fate could rely on Barça’s success in reducing the salary mass before the club can make an official offer for their former superstar.

The entire process might require some time, especially with Barça having to seek permission from La Liga. But with Saudi Arabian clubs offering Messi contracts worth up to €400 million, the veteran forward is facing a dilemma as he looks to take the next step in his career.