Lionel Messi’s dad spotted meeting Barcelona president before revealing where star wants to play next season

LIONEL MESSI wants to return to Barcelona this summer, according to his father and agent.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 35, made his final appearance for Paris Saint-Germain in a shock 3-2 defeat to Clermont on Saturday.

GettyMessi will leave PSG this summer[/caption]

AFPMessi wants to re-join Barcelona, where he played for 17 years[/caption]

Jorge Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta — meeting now to discuss Leo’s return after La Liga approved the plan.

More to follow on the Messi saga, key hours and days ahead.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2023

He won two successive Ligue 1 titles during his time in France, but Messi now has his sights set on an incredible return to his former club.

Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, held talks with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday morning to discuss the possibility of a free transfer.

After the meeting, the 65-year-old admitted that his son is eager to return to the Nou Camp.

He said: “Messi wants to return to Barca and I would love for him to come back. It is an option.”

Messi joined Barcelona’s world renowned La Maisa academy at the age of 13 in 2000.

After progressing through the ranks, he signed his first professional contract five years later and became a regular name in the first team.

He went on to make 778 appearances for the La Liga giants, scoring 672 goals and assisting 303 in the process.

The Argentina international was forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial state, so he joined PSG in a £25million transfer.

While a return to Spain is still on the cards, Messi has also received interest from elsewhere.

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal remain interested in signing him.

David Beckham‘s Inter Miami are also keen to complete a deal.