The announcement of Lionel Messi's Barcelona departure in July 2021 sent ruptures through the footballing world, as we learnt that the forward's 20 year marriage to Barcelona had been curtailed. A deal to extend the six time ballon D'or winners contract had been finalised, with Messi agreeing to a 50% pay cut but amid the club's financial despair an extension was unfeasible. On August 8th the Argentinian bid an emotional farewell later joining Paris Saint Germain two days later, but the potential of a return to Blaugara has always lingered.
His two year stint in Paris has been a tumultuous journey for the 35 year old, as he has struggled to settle in Ligue 1 and he has been the scapegoat for PSG's habitual failures in the Champions League. Last week, his precarious relationship with the French giants appeared to implode after, he was fined and suspended for PSG's remaining three games for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. The recent World Cup winner has not agreed a new deal to stay at the Parc Des Princes beyond June 2023 and sources have confirmed his departure is imminent.
Messi's deteriorating reputation in Paris has coincided with the club's recent decline under Christophe Galtier, with four losses in their last ten games. In their 3-1 loss to Lorient Messi was targeted by the crowd, subject to criticism and boos, with supporters frustrated with his lacklustre performances. This isolated pressure mounted onto the number 10 comes from a burning desire from PSG fans to see the Lionel Messi that ruled La Liga at Barcelona, which they feel is being concealed from them.
It's likely the attacker will leave France this summer, with Saudi Arabian behemoths Al Hilal and Barcelona earmarked as his next two potential destinations. In Al Hilal, comes the riches of the oil money with a tempting £350m a year contract and the prospect of re-uniting against famous nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Messi appears intent on remaining in Europe and the opportunity to re-embrace the loving arms of Barcelona might be too comforting to ignore.
However, if the former all-time top goal scorer returned to his adopted homeland this summer he would have to take a severe pay-cut from $41m a year to just $22m a year. This financial headache appears to just be re-surfacing the dilemma that saw Messi leave Barcelona back in 2021.
In June 2020, it was revealed Barcelona were in post pandemic debts of £1.35 billion resulting in player wage cuts, the sales of club assets and broadcasting rights and a new lifeline sponsorship deal with Spotify. Even, now the club are on a tight financial leash and La Liga chief Javier Tebas has warned that the Spanish FA will not change their financial fair play rules for Lionel Messi's return.
Messi's magical return could jeopardise the short-term stability under Joan Laporta which has seen the club flourish on the field. While, the global icon would increase revenue at Barcelona in advertisement and commercial deals the implications of bloating their limited wage structure could revert the club back to the chaos of 2021.
In addition, if the three time Champions League winner does join the Catalans, they risk potentially unsettling the squad harmony that they have built up under Xavi. It would bring more forced wage cuts which could result in key players like Gavi, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele revolting and looking for a move elsewhere.
The lucrative proposition of a Messi comeback, might not have the desired impact Barcelona fans are envisaging. Barcelona are on the brink of their first La Liga title since 2018-19, 12 points clear at the top of the table. They have achieved this without their crowned King and making sacrifices to re-integrate him into the starting eleven could de-rail the progress made under Xavi. The famous saying is if it works don't fix it...
Cristiano Ronaldo's long awaited return to Manchester United, should send warning signs to Barcelona that sometimes the past is best left untouched. The Portuguese striker tainted his reputation returning to Old Trafford, after relationships turned unsavoury last season resulting in public spats and him being exiled. While, Messi lacks the ego and pomp of CR7, it shows how the nostalgic vision of resurrecting glorious pastimes can have damaging consequences.
This isn't to overlook Lionel Messi's goat status and his record-breaking career in which he scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona. However Barcelona need to realise that Messi's ability is becoming more short-lived, often seen in bursts and he can not be expected to galvanise an entire team like he once did. The World Cup in Qatar showed the evolvement of Messi's game where he's changed from a clinical goal scorer into a playmaker who emerges from the fringes to set up his teammates.
It's clear that both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have reached a stage in their career, where they seek longevity to reach the next World Cup in 2026. Messi doesn't need to return to Barcelona, he can very easily join Al Hilal or the MLS but its down to the player's own personal desire and whether he feels he has unfinished business and more to give.
While, it seems disrespectful and blasphemous to discredit arguably the greatest player of all time, at this moment in time it just feels as if Barcelona don't really need him. While, Xavi would never reject the opportunity to reunite with his former teammate he has single-handily created a successful next generation to lead Barcelona into a new dawn.
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