During Wednesday night’s El Clasico clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Barcelona fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name in the 10th minute of the game. The 35-year-old Argentine footballer is being heavily linked with a return to Barcelona in the summer, as his future with Paris Saint-Germain remains uncertain.
Last week, it was reported that Barcelona had “made contact” with Messi in an attempt to bring the club legend back home. The fans at the Nou Camp made their feelings known during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against fierce rivals Real Madrid, chanting “Messi, Messi” in the 10th minute of the game.
Messi, who scored 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona, wore the No. 10 shirt for 13 years until he left in emotional circumstances in 2021. The adulation he received from the supporters was in stark contrast to the treatment he received from PSG fans on Sunday, who jeered his name before their clash with Lyon.
Despite the mixed reception he has received from fans, Messi has contributed 18 goals and 17 assists in 33 appearances for PSG this season. However, he looks increasingly likely to exit the club at the end of the season after two years in the French capital. Messi is out of contract in the summer, and Barca is preparing to try and secure his return.
Barca vice president Rafa Yuste said: “We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp. Leo knows how much we appreciate him, and I’d love for him to come back. For sure Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here.”
However, Messi has also been the subject of a ridiculous £350million-a-year deal from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. It remains to be seen where Messi will end up next season, but it is clear that he is still a much-loved figure among Barcelona fans.