Lionel Messi 'WILL return to Barcelona in July 2023 when his PSG deal expires'

Lionel Messi will return to Barcelona next summer after making 'peace' with the club's president following his dramatic exit two years ago.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner joined PSG after Barca released a statement saying he would be leaving due to financial restrictions placed upon them by LaLiga.

However, Messi - who joined PSG in 2021- will reportedly return to Barcelona when his contract in the French capital expires next summer.

According to Argentine reporter Veronica Brunati, Messi will return to Barcelona on July 1, 2023 after just two years at Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi became a free agent in 2021 after his contract with Barca expired. However, he was set to re-sign with the club following positive initial talks between all parties.

However, the Barca dropped a bombshell statement confirming Messi would be leaving due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations).

The statement read: 'Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations).

'Given this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue linked to FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled.

'Barca would like to thank with all its heart the player's contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.'

Messi was said to be shocked by the announcement as he had agreed to take a 50 per cent pay deduction from his previous deal - which was worth in excess of £425million over four years - in order for Barca to be able to re-register him with La Liga.

This would have meant that Messi's earnings would have been slashed by £250,000 every week on the proposed new five-year contract. However, he was happy to go ahead.

Messi - who was heart broken by the news of his departure - had been heavily linked with both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG seemed like the more likely option as Messi as met up with his former team-mate and close friend Neymar just days before Barcelona released their statement.

Neymar - who left Barca for PSG in 2017 - had spoken publicly about wanting to reunite with the Argentine again one day.

Neymar got his wish. Messi signed a two-year deal worth a staggering £35million a season with the Ligue 1 giants.

Messi endured a difficult start to his time at PSG. He had been linked with a return to Barcelona pretty soon after his debut in France.

He only managed to score three goals in his first 27 domestic games for the French side. He also failed to win over the fans, who booed him in matches after PSG's Champions League collapse to Real Madrid in the Round of 16.

As a result, Messi's former team-mate Dani Alves even called on Messi to return to the club having made his own comeback at the Nou Camp.

More to follow...