Transfer: Barca to re-sign Messi on one condition

Lionel Messi’s re-signing is not currently anticipated in Barcelona’s budget, according to vice president of economics Eduard Romeu, and would only be feasible if the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and Camp Nou legend became a free agent.

Messi became a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired in 2021. He agreed to an extension despite having asked to leave in 2020, but the club’s dire financial situation meant they didn’t have the salary room to register it with La Liga.

The 35-year-old recently admitted that he struggled in his first year in Paris but now ‘feels different,’ as evidenced by his significantly improved form.

Nonetheless, Barça has remained committed to reuniting. Club president Joan Laporta boldly stated during the summer that Messi’s chapter at Barcelona “isn’t over,” and a local report last weekend suggested that the club has begun exploring options to make that dream a reality.

Romeu has added a little more to the story while speaking on Radio Catalunya.

“If he came back, it would be free, so it would be viable within my area, although I don’t have it in the budget,” the club’s numbers man said.

“He is an icon of the club, this will always be his home, but it will be a technical decision.”

Messi is under contract at PSG until the end of the season, although the terms of the deal does include an option for it to be extended by another 12 months to 2024.