Messi's father: We 'would love' Barcelona return
Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge, refused to delve into details over alleged talks with Joan Laporta or even acknowledge that he met with the Barcelona president on Monday despite footage suggesting otherwise.
But what Jorge did reveal was enough to send shockwaves through the football world. "Of course, (Lionel) would love to return to Barcelona. I would like it, too. We will see," Jorge told reporters, per ESPN's Adriana Garcia.
The 35-year-old is understood to be considering his next move after calling time on his two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona officials are expected to receive permission from La Liga this week over their financial plans, allowing the club to begin signing players when the transfer window opens.
"We spoke the other day, but there's nothing concrete," Jorge Messi added when quizzed about how Barcelona can afford to reunite with his son.
Barcelona were forced to sell Messi two years ago due to financial constraints but have made no secret about their desire to re-sign the World Cup winner. Laporta said last month that the club would do "everything possible" to bring Messi "home."
La Liga president Javier Tebas, however, warned the Catalan club will need to sell players before it can afford to sign Messi.
Messi was also linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League club side Al Hilal, but Jorge later denied that a deal had been agreed to.
Messi scored 21 goals for PSG in all competitions last season.