Whether FC Barcelona has meant for this or not, the supporters are now entirely hopeful that Lionel Messi will return to Camp Nou this summer when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June.
Barcelona supporters at Camp Nou chanted Messi in the tenth minute of the match against Girona on Monday and it marks the second time fans have chanted the 35-year-old’s name in five days.
Fans began chanting during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Madrid. As a result, with this trend continuing, Barcelona’s manager Xavi was asked about the calls for Messi from the supporters.
“The fans appreciate where we are, explains the former midfielder,” Xavi said (h/t RMC Sport). “But we are missing the title. Leo generates hope. They have been chanting his name for two games. Let’s see if that happens. We focus on this season; we have to win La Liga.”
The financial side of football will likely be the significant hurdle that Barcelona must overcome if they want to reunite with the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner. Nonetheless, Messi has other options as PSG remains in talks with the Argentine; meanwhile, MLS side Inter Miami will attempt to pull all the stops to lure Messi to South Florida.
