The Lionel Messi saga has been a tumultous course, filled with twists and turns. As the Argentine’s exit from PSG has been made official, the Parisian heads into the summer transfer window as a free agent.
After endless murmurs on the grapevine regarding a possible reunion with his boyhood club FC Barcelona, Messi awaits a move by the Catalans. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has no shortage of options though, as offers from European clubs, Inter Miami and Al Hilal all exist for him to study.
The biggest roadblock currently standing in Barcelona’s way is the delayed approval of the Feasibility Plan. Considering Barca need assurance from La Liga on their transfer strategy before actively making moves in the transfer market, Messi still awaits a concrete offer, despite verbal guarantees.
However, Javier Tebas president of the league, has recently come out to say, as quoted by Achraf Ben Ayad, “Messi? The question is for Barca, not for me.”
Tebas’ words could be interpreted as an allowance of Messi’s return, but with the Blaugranas facing a race against time, they must first receive the greenlight before presenting an offer to the World Cup winner.
Reports in Saudi Arabia claim that Messi’s arrival is taken for granted, owing to the delay of the green light for Barcelona. According to Matteo Moretto, a Saudi delegation traveled to Paris to close the signing of Messi.
They hope to seal a deal in 48 hours. Although time is running out for the Catalan giants, Leo yearns to see something from them.
Xavi has been persistently claimed Messi’s return to Barcelona depends on him only: “It depends on him [Messi]. If he wants to come to Barça, we will do everything necessary so that he can come. I think the conditions are right. Football-wise I think he could still help us a lot. But it depends on him 99 percent.”
In spite of Barça seemingly hellbent on their position that they will attempt to sign the Argentine maestro, the clock is ticking, and urgency is required before Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal swoop in.