Lionel Messi wants to move back to Barcelona, confirms father Jorge

Lionel Messi is currently a free agent after his exit from Paris Saint-Germain. The legendary footballer who recently won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina is heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, a country that is emerging as a new power in world football. Saudi Pro League has reportedly offered players lucrative contracts to play in the country, numbers that are difficult to match by the top European leagues.

However, speaking to the media, Messi's father and agent Jorge has said that the player wants to return to his boyhood club - FC Barcelona.

"We are confident that Leo can return to Barcelona," Lionel Messi's father said after a meeting with FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

"Leo wants to return to Barça and I too would like him to return. We are confident that he can return," he further added.

Messi's arrival can only be possible at the club if the LaLiga gives a green signal to the finances. Barcelona, who are already struggling for funding might have raise lot more money to bring the Argentine back to the



club.

Messi's future at PSG had been the subject of much speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentina captain telling Reuters that he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season.

He has also been linked in the media with a move back to boyhood club Barcelona, with the United States' Major League Soccer club Inter Miami also being touted as a possible destination.

"I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. To see a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in the Rouge & Bleu and at Parc des Princes, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and inspiring our younger players has been a pleasure," PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi said in the club's statement.

"His contribution to Paris Saint-Germain and Ligue 1 cannot be understated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future."

While he has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, Messi failed to have a big impact at PSG and in his two seasons at the club, could not help them go past the last 16 in the Champions League.