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Javier Tebas: 'Barcelona have time to facilitate Lionel Messi return'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 19 April 2023

Tebas: 'Barcelona have time to facilitate Messi return'

La Liga president Javier Tebas suggests that Barcelona have a small chance of facilitating the return of Lionel Messi, currently at Paris Saint-Germain.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has indicated that he would be in favour of Barcelona re-signing Lionel Messi.

Back in 2021, the legendary Argentine was forced to leave Camp Nou at the end of his contract with Barcelona not in a position to renew his deal.

Messi has since spent time at Paris Saint-Germain, the 35-year-old in line to win his second successive Ligue 1 title at Parc des Princes.

However, Messi appears likely to depart the club at the end of his contract in the summer, with numerous opportunities available to him.

While clubs in the MLS and Middle East would jump at the chance to sign Messi, Barcelona are known to be assessing whether a reunion with their greatest-ever player is plausible.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on April 17, 2023 © Reuters

Early exits from this season's Champions League and Europa League have cost Barcelona crucial revenue in their bid to significantly boost their financial issues.

Last month, Tebas claimed that the Catalan giants must make player sales and cutbacks worth £177m before they are able to register any new signings, with Gavi at the front of the queue to have a professional contract made official.

Nevertheless, although Tebas has cast doubt over whether Barcelona are able to welcome back Messi this summer, he has hinted that it is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Speaking to reporters, Tebas said: "Today he could not be registered, but there is still time. We are awaiting a feasibility plan. They can sell players, for sure — but they still have some players to register too.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

"Hopefully, for La Liga, Barca will make the necessary moves for Messi to come, but we will not change a rule for Messi to return. I would like Messi to play in this competition."

On the pitch, Barcelona are currently focused on trying to win the La Liga title, the current lead over Real Madrid standing at 11 points with nine matches remaining.

That said, their star-studded attack has not always convinced with Barcelona drawing a blank in back-to-back fixtures with Girona and Getafe.

Aside from Robert Lewandowski, who has netted 17 league goals, no-one else has contributed more than six strikes or six assists.