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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly asked Barcelona to retain Jordi Alba beyond the summer if he's to return to Catalonia.
The Argentina icon could leave Les Parisiens as a free agent at the end of the season. A return to Barcelona, where he spent 21 years before leaving for France, has been heavily touted.
Reports have claimed that he has rejected contract extension offers at the Parc des Princes as he seeks a Barcelona return. However, as per El Nacional, an important condition of his return to the Camp Nou is that the club keep Sergio Busquets and Alba for next season.
The 34-year-old midfielder's deal ends at the end of the season. He's yet to pen fresh terms with the La Liga leaders, with reports circulating that his continuation at Barca could depend on Messi's return.
Manager Xavi Hernandez recently claimed that Busquets' renewal at Barca is not dependent on Messi returning to the club. The trio enjoyed nine successful years together in Catalonia, which began with Alba's arrival in the summer of 2012 from Valencia and ended with Messi's exit two years ago.
While Busquets has remained an important part of Xavi's plans, featuring in 36 games across competitions this season, the same can't be said for Alba. The 34-year-old has fallen below Alejandro Balde in the pecking order and has started just 12 La Liga games this term.
Alba's contract expires at the end of next season. Barca, meanwhile, are said to be preparing a two-year contract with €25 million in gross annual wages for Messi. He earned four times that amount just before he left them as a free agent.
La Liga chief Javier Tebas says Barcelona have work to do if they want to sign Lionel Messi from PSG
La Liga president Javier Tebas hasn't shied away from mentioning Barcelona's financial problems.
Tebas said last month that neither Barca nor Paris Saint-Germain earn enough to have Messi on their books next season. In a recent claim, he has reiterated that the Blaugrana will need to balance their books if they want to onboard the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Tebas said (h/t Sportstar):
"Today, he could not (be registered in La Liga), but there is still time,” Tebas told a press conference. We’re not going to change the rules of financial control approved by the clubs to register Messi. ... even if it would be our wish that he returns to our league."
Messi is believed to be the second-highest-paid player in Europe, second only to PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe. He is expected to take home a gross salary of €63.64 million this season.
