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Lionel Messi is reportedly waiting for Barcelona to make an approach before he responds to Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) contract extension offer.
The Argentine icon spent 21 years at Barca, winning every trophy on offer at club level before joining PSG on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. He could, however, leave Les Parisians at the end of the season when his current deal expires.
According to journalist Gaston Edul (h/t @AlbicelesteTalk on Twitter), the Ligue 1 giants have offered Messi the chance to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes. The 35-year-old, though, is believed to be waiting for Barcelona to make an approach.
"The passage of time plays against PSG and if Messi was 100% convinced he would have already signed the renewal with PSG which he has already on the table. He’s not going to reject PSG, but he is waiting for Barcelona," as per Edul (as tweeted by AlbicelesteTalk).
Edul claims that if Messi was fully convinced about wanting to stay in Paris beyond the summer, he would have signed the contract offer on the table. Barca are believed to be getting their house in order to afford the financial aspects of Messi's potential return.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has said that neither Barcelona nor PSG can financially afford to have the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner on their books next season.
PSG's apparent desire to renew Messi's deal doesn't come as a surprise. Despite the club's elimination from the UEFA Champions League last 16 against Bayern Munich, the Argentine superstar has done exceedingly well domestically this campaign.
Messi has 13 goals and as many assists in 23 Ligue 1 games as his team hold a seven-point lead atop the standings after 28 games.
What Xavi has said about Lionel Messi's Barcelona return?
Last month, Barca boss Xavi Hernandez was asked to address the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona in the near future. The Spanish tactician told reporters, as quoted by Argentine newspaper Clarin (h/t Indian Express):
"For Leo, this is his home, and his doors are open, so I can’t say anything else. He’s a friend; we’re in permanent contact; we talk about a lot of things, and nothing more From there, it will depend a lot on him, on what he wants to do in his future, on what fits for the club as well, but it is clear that this is his home."
Xavi and Messi played 399 games together during their time with the Blaugrana and seemed to have a telepathic connection with each other on the field. It's clear from Xavi's comments that the two have a strong bond off the pitch which remains intact.
A reunion at Barca eight years after Xavi's departure as a player now seems to be on the cards for Lionel Messi.
