Lionel Messi wants to end his career at Barcelona, Inter Miami also interested | OneFootball

A recent report from Xavi Campos has offered a detailed update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine international has become the club’s transfer priority in 2023, with Xavi determined to secure his return following his abrupt departure from Camp Nou in the summer of 2021.

As per Xavi Campos, Messi’s path to a return to Barcelona appears to be clear for now, with everything indicating a reunion between the player and the club in 2023.

Barça are currently in contact with Messi’s environment. They are keen on bringing the attackers back to Camp Nou for one or two seasons, in an attempt to not only strengthen the squad but also reconcile with the player, who is often regarded as the best to ever play for the club.

Campos further suggests that Messi himself is open to a return to Camp Nou. His idea is to complete his contract in Paris, which expires at the end of next season and then return to Barça.

They do face one hurdle, though. Inter Miami are well-placed to sign the Argentine, as well, and they’d have to convince him to return to Barcelona over going to the USA for his last big paycheck.

There is no doubt that Messi shares a good relationship with Xavi. It should play a key role in convincing the player to return to his old club, where he could potentially share the pitch with this summer’s marquee signing Robert Lewandowski.

However, another key reason behind Messi’s potential return to Camp Nou could be the fact that the club owes the player a large sum through deferred salary.

The possibility of a move to Barcelona, therefore, could help the player recover the unpaid salary.

Not to mention, the move could be beneficial for the club as well, as Messi offers certain economic incentives and the prospects of him sharing the pitch with Lewandowski could significantly increase the club’s overall clout in European football.