Barça vice-president hopeful of signing Messi: “Depends on his decision”

Lionel Messi has continued to be a hot topic at Barcelona this summer as the club look to complete the return of their prodigal son ahead of the new season.

Barcelona have faced multiple roadblocks in their bid to bring back the Argentine. But their leaders have never denied the desire to re-sign the 35-year-old, who has retained his godlike status among the supporters.

Recently, club president Joan Laporta admitted his desire to sign Messi this summer and vowed to do everything he can to ensure the deal.

Now, Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has doubled down on those claims. He is hopeful of completing the capture of the PSG superstar, who is set to leave Parc des Princes at the end of the season.

“I’d love for Leo Messi to return here. Of course, it depends on his decision, but we’d love to have Leo back,” said Yuste (h/t Fabrizio Romano). “We hope for Messi here next season”

Yuste’s comments serve as yet another indicator that Barcelona are not ready to give up on Messi just yet, despite facing numerous economic hardships. However, with time running out, it is time for Barcelona leaders to walk the talk.

The first step would be to sanction the sale of some of the first-team stars, as they look to generate fresh revenue and reduce the salary mass. Only then, Barça would be in a position to submit a proposal to Messi.

One would expect the Argentine to demand lucrative terms given the way he was allowed to leave in 2021. But he is aware of the club’s economic woes and has already rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.

With Messi prepared to be ‘reasonable’, it is time for Barcelona to make a move.