Lionel Messi has now reportedly informed FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez of his decision regarding a potential return to the club.
With the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring in about two months' time, many remain keen to know where the superstar will be playing next season.
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Despite being in the twilight of his glittering career, the 35-year-old reached what many consider the pinnacle of football when he sensationally guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup crown in December – the nation's first world title since 1986.
A handful of clubs have shown they are intrigued by the fact that they could sign the Argentine as a free agent ahead of the 2023/24 season, with Inter Milan, Inter Miami, Al-Hilal, and Barca all reported to be interested.
PSG, meanwhile, remain eager to extend his stay and are believed to have offered him a one-year deal, although it is understood that this has not convinced Messi of staying at the Parc des Princes.
It was reported earlier this week that his agent and father Jorge Messi met recently with Blaugrana president Joan Laporta discuss a number of things, including a potential fairy-tale return to the Camp Nou for Messi.
It has now been claimed that Messi has made up his mind about his future, and has informed his former teammate, now Barca manager, Xavi that he would love to move back to the club after two years away, according to Catalunya Radio.
In the LaLiga giants' latest game against Girona, fans chanted Messi's name in the 10th minute in tribute to the player who famously donned the No. 10 jersey for the Catalan giants.
After that match, Xavi admitted that the Albiceleste captain "generates hope" for the club and its fans, according to Spanish outlet AS.
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Former Barca boss Ronaldo Koeman, meanwhile, has revealed he was devastated when Messi left the team during his tenure in 2021.
"Messi is the best player in the world and when he left it was difficult," he said on Wednesday, according to PSGtalk.
"The team that has him is going to be stronger. His departure from Barca was a very bad day.
"If I see Leo with another shirt, it hurts me. It's his home, where he needs to be.
"It was not good that the board did not give him the possibility to stay, but I am in favour of Messi being a Barca player."
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