Crunch time for Barcelona! Lionel Messi sets deadline for former club to make transfer decision as he prepares to make PSG exit

Posted Thursday, June 01, 2023 by Goal.com

Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona that they have ten days to make a decision over a transfer that would see the star return to Camp Nou.

WHAT HAPPENED? Messi wants to have his future sorted out as soon as possible as he prepares to leave Paris Saint-Germain. According to Relevo, he has told Barca that they have just over a week to confirm if a return to his former club is viable as they await the green light from La Liga.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi will leave PSG when his contract expires this summer, having signed on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona two years ago because the Spanish side could not afford to give him a new contract. While the Catalan club have been open about their desire to bring him back ever since his departure, their financial troubles make it a difficult deal to complete. Indeed, Guillem Balague claims Messi will snub a return to Camp Nou altogether having yet to receive any proposal from his former club.

AND WHAT'S MORE: A move back to Barcelona is not the only option for Messi, however. MLS' Inter Miami have been courting the Argentina hero for some time, and Barca could even team up with the Florida side to complete a complex transfer, while Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal are also prepared to offer him a huge contract.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI? The 35-year-old will await Barca's response as he looks to resolve his future ahead of next season.