Barcelona has apparently not made a formal bid to re-sign Lionel Messi.
It has been clear in recent weeks that the 2022 World Cup winner would not be returning to Paris Saint-Germain for a third season.
While it has always been known that Messi would like to return to Barcelona, it was thought to be more dream than reality due to the La Liga champions’ financial problems.
The Catalan giants, on the other hand, are keen on bringing Messi back to Camp Nou, and the idea has been widely discussed in the media.
Head coach Xavi has stated his desire for the Argentine legend to head his team in 2023-24, and president Joan Laporta is eager to assist a deal.
Nonetheless, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, a proposal from Barcelona has not arrived for Messi, and there is no intention of waiting for an offer that may or may not materialise.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Balague said:
“Lionel Messi is expected to decide in the coming hours where he will be playing his football next season – the only thing that seems certain is that it will not be at Barcelona.”
“Messi would have liked nothing more than to return to the place that was his home since he left Argentina as a 12-year-old in pursuit of his footballing dream.”
“But his camp has told Barcelona the decision on his future is imminent and they cannot wait any longer for a proposal from them that has not arrived, despite promises the Catalan club would have something in place by now.”
In his piece, Balague also reports that Messi’s choice has been to stay in Europe, but that adequate offers have not been available in recent weeks.
Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia is another viable possibility for Messi, with a reported £1 billion contract on the table for the 35-year-old.
Although Inter Miami has long been linked to Messi, a move to Major League Soccer is implausible at this time.
Messi, who has 32 goals and 35 assists in 74 appearances for PSG, is set to make his farewell appearance for the club this weekend against Clermont Foot.
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