Lionel Messi closer than ever to re-joining Barcelona due to internal problem at PSG: Reports

Lionel Messi is reportedly edging closer to rejoining Barcelona because of an internal problem at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Argentine is out of contract in the summer and could move on a free transfer.

As per a report in El Nacional, PSG need to reduce their wage bill by 30% to avoid FFP issues. The French side were €390 million over the limit last financial year and have a lot to do to balance the books.

The report claims the financial issue has pushed Messi closer to a return to Barcelona, who themselves are in a financial crisis. Joan Laporta has confirmed that they are looking to reduce their wage bill by another €70 million in the summer.

Lionel Messi's brother Matias took shots at the Catalan side last week in a viral clip. He claimed that the PSG superstar would not return until Laporta was removed as the club president. Matias had said (via Football Espana):

"I have a SPORT clip that says 'Messi should return to Barcelona' and I said 'hahahaha, we are not going back to Barcelona', and if we do, we are going to do a good cleaning. Among them, kick out Joan Laporta."

"People [in Barcelona] did not support him. They should have gone out for a protest or something. Let Laporta leave and Messi stay. The Spanish are traitors. I'm telling this because I want it to come out of our guts."

Messi had to leave Barca as a free agent after spending 21 years with the Catalan club. Joan Laporta promised that Barcelona would be able to retain the Argentine but financial problems meant that Lionel Messi had to leave and join PSG as a free agent in 2021.

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Lionel Messi urged by Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate to snub Barcelona and PSG and move to Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Jaloliddin Masharipov has urged Lionel Messi to consider a move to Saudi Arabia. He claimed that clubs in the Middle East would match the salaries offered by PSG and Barcelona easily.

Masharipov told Russian sports website SPORTS.ru:

"I haven't read the opinion about Xavi. I have no information about Messi coming to Al-Hilal. Saudi Arabia can arrange it if it wants to. There will be no problem with money."

"Cristiano wanted to come, the transfer was done. It all depends on Leo himself. I think that no star should miss the chance to play in the championship where Ronaldo has now arrived."

PSG have the option to extend Lionel Messi's contract for another season should he not pen a new deal.