Barcelona ready for all scenarios for Lionel Messi’s possible return – Gerard Romero | OneFootball

Conflicting reports continue to emerge over the future of former Barcelona captain and current PSG superstar Lionel Messi.

The 35-year-old icon is in the final five months of his contract with PSG. Ever since his FIFA World Cup 2022 triumph with Argentina, it has been reported that the legendary footballer has agreed in principle to renew with the French champions and continue at the club.

However, over the past few weeks, it has been suggested that the situation might not be as advanced as it has been claimed. Gerard Romero, in particular, has been reporting that Messi is not close to renewing with PSG and wants to consider all his options.

Now, Romero has once again stirred the pot, claiming that Barcelona are ready and prepared for all scenarios when it comes to the possible return of Messi in the summer transfer window, whether it be T-shirts, tickets at the Montjuic Stadium, etc.

Romero further adds that as of now Messi is not in favour of renewing with PSG, but it does not mean that he will not sign an extension.

The journalist claims that the Catalan giants would be prepared to welcome back their ex-captain, as manager Xavi Hernandez wants to reunite with his former teammate and work with him.

However, at the moment, Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, is understood to be against a possible return to Barcelona.

This report comes just a while after Fabrizio Romano claimed that PSG and Messi’s camp were set to meet in the next couple of weeks to discuss his contract extension.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after the club could not renew his contract, even though president Joan Laporta had constantly insisted that everything was in order for his extension.

The manner of his exit has meant that Messi’s relationship with Laporta and the Barça administration has soured.

As for a return to Camp Nou, it seems like more of a pipe dream given the broken relationship as well as the club’s financial situation that requires them to reduce their wage bill by €150-200 million before next season.