MIRROR
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has told Barcelona that they cannot currently re-sign Lionel Messi, despite Camp Nou chiefs lining up a two-year contract offer.
Messi, 35, is on the verge of leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract in June and Barca have confirmed their interested. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has played his football with the French champions since August 2021, having been forced to leave boyhood club Barcelona due to their well-documented financial issues which still haven’t been resolved.
As a consequence, Tebas believes that the prospect of Messi’s return should be placed on hold, with Barca unable to register new players until they comply with LaLiga’s stringent financial regulations. “Barca must take many financial measures to undertake Messi’s registration,” Tebas declared on Wednesday.
“They need lot of effort to make it happen. Today I don’t see his signing as feasible. But there’s a lot of time left, Barca can still make moves to get Leo. We are still awaiting a feasibility plan from Barcelona. They need a big effort to make it happen.”
Nevertheless, Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona chiefs are still pursuing Messi’s signature and drawing up a lucrative contract which would run until 2025. Club officials privately hope that having the Argentine icon back in Catalunya would count for up to a third of next season’s financial income.
Having held talks with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken of his confidence regarding Messi’s return. First-team manager Xavi has also urged the 35-year-old to return to the Camp Nou for a “last dance.”
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