One day, Lionel Messi, who is the all-time Barcelona player, will return to Camp Nou. – He has scored more goals than any of his teammates. (672) Won La Liga 10 times and the Champions League 6 times and brought home a bunch of Ballon d’Or awards.
Barcelona did everything possible to keep hold of their biggest star, but as the debt grew, it became tougher and tougher to pay Lionel Messi an annual salary of €90 million. – The Argentine world champion cried a bit when he “had” to go to Paris in the summer of 2021 to be able to maintain his salary.
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On a couple of occasions, there have been talks about a return, as a player, but the salary and Joan Laporta’s desire to clean up the finances have stood in the way.
Lionel Messi still has Barcelona in the future, but not on the pitch. According to Spanish Sport, the superstar is ready to sign a new big deal with Inter Miami, while also planning to return to Catalonia when he retires.
No immediate return to Camp Nou
Despite his love for Barcelona, Messi will not return to the club under the current management. His relationship with President Joan Laporta is described as “cold and distant,” and there are no plans for tribute fighting or dialogue. – Laporta was the one who rejected a last-minute proposal to only receive 45 million euros in salary. It was probably knowledge of a gigantic debt that in 2021 was 1.3 billion euros that bothered him.
Inter Miami wants to keep the superstar
Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, is “obsessed” with extending with Messi. Negotiations are going well, and a deal for at least 2026 (the next World Cup) is underway. But MLS’s plans for a season change from 2027 could pose challenges.
Messi will live in Barcelona again – but only when the football boots are hung up.
- Barcelona Era (2004-2021):
- Club record goalscorer (672 goals)
- 10 La Liga and 4 Champions League titles
- Won the Ballon d’Or 6 times as a Barça player
- PSG (2021-2023):
- Helped the club to 2 Ligue 1 titles
- Inter Miami (2023-):
- Won the Leagues Cup in his debut season
- National team success:
- World Championship gold in 2022 with Argentina
- 2021 Copa America title
Incidentally, Barcelona are doing well today, they won the final of the Copa del Ray on Sunday against Real Madrid and lead La Liga by four points. – And that they are among the last four in the Champions League.
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