FC Barcelona will do everything possible to reunite with Lionel Messi this summer when he becomes a free agent on June 30.
The Spanish club is attempting to overcome its financial hurdle to ensure the Argentine is back. However, a former Barcelona manager doesn’t see the storybook ending with Messi in Camp Nou for the 2023-24 season.
Ronald Koeman spoke with ESPN (h/t Sportsmole), explaining why the Paris Saint-Germain star won’t be signing with Barcelona.
“I don’t expect Messi to return to Barcelona,” Koeman said. “Busquets will leave, Jordi Alba isn’t certain to stay too and these 3 are close friends. It wouldn’t surprise me if they would leave for Miami or Saudi Arabia together.
“Joan Laporta wants to save his face [by returning Messi] because he is known as the man who let Lionel Messi go.”
After being whistled again by some PSG supporters, it appears the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s time in the French capital is ending. So it’s in the best interest of both parties to go their separate ways this summer.
However, if Barcelona isn’t an option due to the club’s financial situation or Messi doesn’t want a return, the possible European destinations do dwindle. As a result, he might have to consider non-European options like Al-Hilal and Inter Miami.
He will stay in Europe! He will beat your ass down in the next UCL. With Neymar and Verrati leaves, I welcome you to PSG downfall!! These players that you hate so much will trash you lot in the next UCL with their new club! I just can’t wait for that to happen. PSG back to being irrelevant! Adios!