Barcelona star's salary is hindering the potential return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona - Reports

Barcelona will reportedly have to sacrifice Lionel Messi's friend in the dressing room, Jordi Alba, to welcome back the Argentine superstar. The Catalan side needs to make space in the wage bill, and the left-back is the biggest hurdle.

As per a report in El Nacional, Alba will be the one to leave Barcelona this summer as they look to reduce the wage bill. They have already got a huge chunk off with Sergio Busquets announcing his departure.

Alba was looking forward to playing with Messi at Camp Nou next season and admitted that he had a connection with the Argentine on the pitch. He told GOAL:

"In the end, if he wants to and the club wants to, it's perfect for me. He has been the player with whom I have understood the best on the pitch."

The dream of reuniting with Messi seems to be coming to an end for Alba following the report from El Nacional. La Liga have told Barcelona that they need to raise €200 million before spending and the latest reports suggest they are halfway there.

Alba had interest from Inter Milan last summer and he was open to joining them. Currently, he seems to have lost his place in the starting XI at Camp Nou, as Xavi prefers Alejandro Balde.

Will Lionel Messi rejoin Barcelona?

FC Barcelona fan wearing a Messi shirt

Lionel Messi is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to rejoin Barcelona this summer. The Argentine earns a whopping €3.37 million per month at PSG but is ready to move back to Camp Nou for €6-7 million per season.

As per Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito TV, the Blaugrana are ready to offer the new contract to Messi, but are waiting for the season to end. He reported that the Argentine was moved by the fans chanting his name at Camp Nou. Alvarez said on his Twitch channel:

"Leo Messi is ready to take a pay cut and adapt to a salary in accordance with Barça's situation. Laporta must have a face-to-face talk with him. Leo saw the fans at the Spotify Camp Nou chant his name last Sunday. People from the club who were not in favour of Messi's return have understood that it would be a great financial boost."

Al Hilal and Inter Miami are also in the race to sign Lionel Messi this summer. Both clubs are ready to offer more than Barcelona, but are yet to reach an advanced stage in negotiations. The Saudi Arabian side has reportedly tabled a €500 million per season deal.