What is Barcelona's position on Lionel Messi's possible return?
When Inter Miami missed out on a place in the MLS play-offs rumours of a possible return of Leo Messi to Barça while the competition was on hold in the United States began to swirl.
Barça do not want to fuel these rumours and the club know that a return of the Argentinian is not possible. It was in the summer, when president Joan Laporta pushed for his return, but now it is a closed case, with only the tribute that the best player in the history of the club and football deserves pending arrangement.
Barça insist that, even if a loan for a few months were possible, Messi could not be registered for Fair Play reasons. Barca are still in over their head and, even if the player were to arrive on loan and receiving little money, La Liga would account for a high salary, the one it believes the player deserves to receive, as it has already done with Joao Félix, who receives 400,000 euros net from Barça, while LaLiga counts him as having a salary of around four million.
In addition, SPORT have learned neither the Argentine player nor his entourage contemplate the possibility of returning to Barça.
As far as the club is concerned, the first priority for the winter transfer window is to register Gavi's contract, who is currently registered by court order. The second priority is to bring in Vitor Roque in January. The Brazilian, already signed for 30 million euros plus 31 million euros in variables, is recovering from an ankle injury and should arrive in January to cover Lewandowski's back.
In order to achieve these objectives, Barça would have to make an income, having pending the income of 40 million euros from the sale of a percentage of Barça Studios that was not satisfied by the German fund Libero last August. If all the objectives are achieved and there is still Fair Play left over, the third priority would be to reinforce the centre midfield position, something that the club also views as very complicated.
