Lionel Messi makes transfer decision amid return rumours to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has not considered the possibility of returning to Barcelona before his PSG contract expires in 2023.

The Catalans have made massive strides under Xavi Hernandez. The team has gone from not making it to Europe to pushing Madrid for the title. Though it was a faint title push, before the arrival of Xavi, the hope of Europe was non-existent.

As the season winds down and Real Madrid are just four points away from winning its 35th La Liga title, Barcelona can focus on consolidating their position in the top four and prepare for next season.

Laporta knows the team is not yet ready, Xavi knows, and any honest Barca fan knows it as well. The shortage of funds will hinder a squad upgrade, but Barcelona have done well with the players they have managed to bring in this season.

The Cules still can’t get over what Lionel Messi brought to the team and continue to harbour a sentimental return of the maestro to the club. Despite having a poor first season at Paris Saint-Germain, it is unlikely Messi would be donning the colours of La Blaugrana next season.

Messi to remain at PSG

Lionel Messi has endured a rather quiet season at PSG. Many believed that the Argentine star would be an instant hit at PSG, but it has been a tumultuous season for the 34-year-old. Rather than counting goals scored, his fans point to the number of assists created. Despite the poor output by his lofty standards, Barcelona still think about a reunion with the Argentine forward.

However, Paris Saint-Germain have been quick to clamp down on any hopes of a Messi return to Catalonia. The French giants have doused the speculation over a romantic Barcelona return.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 34-year-old Argentine will remain at the Parc des Princes despite interest from Barcelona. The reports also suggest that Messi is surprised at the speculation of a quick return to Barcelona.

No interest in a Barcelona return

The report claims that Lionel Messi has not, at any time, considered the possibility of a return to Barcelona this summer. The Argentine has a year left on his contract, and he plans to honour it.

It is an outlandish thought that PSG would let Messi go, with the future of Kylian Mbappe uncertain. The 23-year-old star has not signed a contract renewal with the French side. If Mbappe insists on not signing a new contract at PSG, he will join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Odds from bookmakers are priced well in favour of the Frenchman joining Real Madrid this summer.

Even if Mbappe chooses to extend his PSG stay, the French club would still hold on to Messi. Joan Laporta has also insisted that there is no attempt to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp.