Barcelona 'increasingly confident of Lionel Messi return'

Barcelona are reportedly optimistic that they can convince Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou during the summer.

The legendary forward is currently in his second season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he has chipped in with 15 goals and 14 assists in Ligue 1 and Champions League fixtures during 2022-23.

However, the 35-year-old's contract is due to expire at the end of this campaign and it remains uncertain whether the attacker will commit to a third year at Parc des Princes.

Although that remains a possibility, Inter Miami are keen to hand the Argentina international an opportunity to play in the MLS in a city which he is known to enjoy.

Nevertheless, despite their well-documented financial issues, former club Barcelona will also be an option if Messi ever comes onto the market.

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The Catalan giants received another blow on Thursday as they were dumped out of the Europa League by Manchester United at the last-32 stage, having previously been demoted into that competition due to their poor showing in the Champions League.

Ahead of a time when Barcelona have to considerably cut their wage bill in the summer, missing out on continental revenue may hinder their plans for the summer with club officials having already budgeted for such income.

That said, according to 90min, president Joan Laporta feels that it is possible to tempt Messi back to the La Liga giants.

Laporta is said to have recently met with Messi's father Jorge in an attempt to reconcile any differences from the past and to put the wheels in motion to a fairytale return.

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Barcelona were unable to renew Messi's contract in 2021 due to their financial problems, leading to an emotional farewell before his switch to PSG.

Head coach Xavi, a former teammate of Messi, has recently commented on the situation, acknowledging that he would not turn down the chance to have the World Cup winner in his squad.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Xavi said: "For Messi, this is his home, he has the doors open. He is a friend and we are in permanent contact. His return depends on him."

During his first stint with Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists over a 17-year stint in the first team.