Aguero: 'The possibility of Messi returning to Barca is 50-50'
"My feeling is that Messi has a 50% chance of returning to Barca in the summer of 2023," Aguero said on March 23 in a conversation about the Kings League - a seven-field league founded by former midfielder Gerard Pique. "Messi should retire at Barca. Barcelona is Messi's home, and he must end his career here."
The former Argentina striker also emphasized that this deal depends on Laporta. "If the president makes an effort, Messi's return to Barca will be closer," Aguero added.
Pique was also present in this conversation and said: "I really want Messi to return to Barca. I would love to hug him."
Keeping Messi was once one of the goals when Laporta ran for president in early 2021. However, after taking power, he reversed what he had stated, letting the Argentine star join PSG on a free transfer. . In March 2022, he said he did not regret this decision because Barca had financial problems and could not renew with Messi.
Messi's contract with PSG will expire in June 2023, and he has the choice to extend for a year or not. Last month, PSG sporting director Luis Campos negotiated with Jorge - Lionel Messi's father and agent, but failed to reach an agreement on contract length, salary and other benefits.
The two sides agreed to continue negotiations in the near future. But PSG's loss to Bayern in the round of 16 of the Champions League may hinder the negotiation process. Messi was also whistled and booed by PSG fans during the defeat to Rennes in Ligue 1 on March 19.
Then, according to Catalunya Radio, Jorge met Laporta to discuss the possibility of Messi returning to play for Barca, the team holding a tribute to the 35-year-old superstar.
Messi is the greatest player in Barca history. During his 17 years at Camp Nou, the Argentine forward won 10 La Liga, seven King's Cups, seven Spanish Super Cups, four Champions Leagues, three European Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups. He also holds the record of winning 34 titles, 672 goals and 266 assists in this club's history.
In addition to Barca and PSG, Messi is also said to have received a contract offer of $ 240 million - similar to the income for Cristiano Ronaldo when he joined Al Nassr - from Al Hilal. On March 14, Jorge was also present at a luxury hotel in the capital Riyadh - a move that caused many rumors about Messi's move to Saudi Arabia.
Inter Miami - the American club led by David Beckham - is another potential destination for Messi. The owner of seven Ballon d'Or has spent vacations in Miami and many newspapers claim that his representatives have discussed the possibility of bringing Messi to MLS to play during this time.
