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| Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the preseason friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain and Kawasaki Frontale at National Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. |
Catalan giants Barcelona are reportedly considering launching a Bosman
move for Lionel Messi, with Xavi Hernandez keen on reuniting with the
Argentine.
According to a report by SPORT, Lionel Messi is the subject
of interest from Barcelona over a possible Bosman move in the 2023 summer transfer
window. Xavi Hernandez has requested Joan Laporta to launch the offensive to
bring the Argentine international back to Camp Nou from Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer in the game’s long and
storied history. The 35-year-old spent most of his professional career with
Barcelona, staying at the Catalan club for nearly two decades, including his
time in their famous academy La Masia.
The Argentine international has a mind-boggling
record of 672 goals and 301 assists in 778 appearances for
Barcelona. But Messi’s stint with the Blaugrana shockingly ended last
summer, when Barcelona’s inability to table a new contract meant he departed
from Camp Nou as a free agent.
Following his emotional exit from Barcelona, Messi joined Paris
Saint-Germain on a free transfer. But the veteran forward failed to hit the
heights of his stint with Barcelona in the 2021/22 season as he struggled to
settle down at Parc des Princes. That reflected in his returns, as he
managed 11 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances for PSG.
While that tally is brilliant for most players, it pales in comparison
to the numbers Messi produced when he was at Barcelona. However, Messi showed
signs of finally starting to settle down in the PSG squad as the 2021/22 season
reached its end, as illustrated by some of his brilliant displays at the
tail-end of the campaign.
While PSG fans hurled jeers at him at different junctures of the 2021/22
season, Messi reportedly wants to honour his commitment to PSG.
However, Barcelona might look to re-sign him in the 2023 summer transfer window
on a Bosman move, with Xavi Hernandez keen on reuniting with his former
teammate.
Xavi is forging a solid squad, with Barcelona making four impressive
signings this summer. But bringing Messi back in a Bosman move could be the
final act to restore the Catalan giants to their former glory. Xavi is thus
asking Joan Laporta to start planning for a deal to re-sign Messi, but it will
be interesting to see how things pan out for the veteran attacker at PSG this
coming season.
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