Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta last month amid ongoing speculation over the 35-year-old’s future in Paris.
Messi is said to be hesitant about signing a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain and has been linked with a sensational return to the Catalan side this summer.
Barcelona have publicly admitted their desire to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp, with vice president Rafael Yuste saying that the club are eager for him to return.
Jorge’s meeting with Laporta has added further fuel to the fire, but according to The Mirror, their discussion was not arranged with transfer talks in mind.
The Mirror have stated that Jorge’s meeting with Laporta was about a special match being played at Camp Nou to honour Messi once he steps away from European football.
Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta last month amid ongoing speculation over the 35-year-old’s future in Paris
Jorge’s meeting with Laporta was about a special match being played at Camp Nou to honour Messi once steps away from European football but transfer talks were likely
A return to the Nou Camp, where he spent the vast majority of his illustrious playing career, is a possibility despite the 35-year-old’s frosty relationship with Laporta (pictured)
However, it seems unlikely that they would have ignored the topic of Messi’s future given his camp have received confirmation of Barcelona’s interest through a third party – according to the Mirror.
Messi’s current contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of June and there remains much uncertainty over where he will be playing next season.
A return to the Nou Camp, where he spent the vast majority of his illustrious playing career, is a possibility despite the World Cup winner’s frosty relationship with Laporta.
The rift between the pair was highlighted at the FIFA The Best awards gala in February when they avoided each other.
Laporta said they ‘exchanged glances’ but he has stepped up the charm offensive since, saying recently: ‘He knows we have him in our hearts.
‘I have to find a way to improve Messi’s current relationship with Barca. We will see, but he knows the doors of Barca are open.’
If Messi did go back to Barcelona then he would be playing under Xavi, with whom he shared many memorable moments as a player
However, Barcelona’s continued financial difficulties could prove to be a hindrance in terms of getting a deal done.
Messi has scored 19 goals for Christophe Galtier’s PSG this season, with 14 of those coming during Ligue 1 fixtures and four from Champions League games.
During his time at Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals and cemented his status as one of the greatest players ever.
If Messi did go back to Barcelona then he would be playing under Xavi, with whom he shared many memorable moments as a player.
