Messi Meets With Barcelona Captains in Paris, Confirms Key Transfer Decision

• There has been a fallout between Messi and the PSG hierarchy
• The former Barcelona captain is set to leave PSG upon the expiration of his contract
• Messi has been linked with a summer return to Barcelona

Barcelona players got a break from training last week following their La Liga Santander title triumph against RCD Espanyol and the subsequent bus parade.

Though two are set to depart, the three club captains, Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, and Jordi Alba travelled to Paris, where they met with former teammate Lionel Messi.

This report comes from Fernando Polo and Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo, who state that the three Barcelona veterans met with their former teammate over dinner in Paris last week and many things, including their club futures, were discussed.

The Barcelona trio is understood to have asked Messi about the rumours of his possible return to the club in the summer, and whether he has received an offer from the La Liga champions.

"It's been an honour": Busquets says as he announces his departure

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But the Argentina captain responded with a ‘no’, confirming that Barcelona are yet to table a formal contract proposal for him.

Messi will become a free agent at the end of the season, as a renewal with PSG is no longer a viable option. He has a massive offer worth around €500 million per year from clubs in Saudi Arabia to consider, while Barcelona are keen on re-signing him as well.

However, the Blaugrana are yet to send in a formal contract offer to their former captain. According to 90mins, this is because of their prolonged wait for La Liga’s approval of their economic viability plan, post which they will get a clearer picture of their Financial Fair Play margin. Based on that, an offer will be made to the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner in the summer.

Barcelona transfer viability plan

The viability plan approval was expected this week, but has been pushed forward by a week or two, as La Liga is reviewing it thoroughly.

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Until that is done and a green light is received, Barcelona will not open formal talks with Messi. This is despite club president, Joan Laporta and manager, Xavi Hernandez making it abundantly clear that they wish to re-sign the legendary footballer.

Messi, should he return to Barcelona, will be without two of his closest friends, as both Busquets and Alba will be leaving the club at the end of the season. However, their departures could help the club with Fair Play, which in turn should aid the return of the Argentina captain.

Messi receives scolding from wife

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi received a scolding from his wife.

Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, were involved in a hilarious exchange on Sergio Aguero's live stream just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The interaction left everyone involved in splits and showcased a different and fun side of Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo to the world.