Barcelona are hopeful of tempting Lionel Messi to return two years after his departure. He has a two-year contract waiting for him if he decides not to extend his expiring contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The Catalans also think they have a solution for the financial aspect of that operation.
“This is how Barcelona thinks it can make Messi’s return possible”
Messi left Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, as Barcelona did not have the financial means to extend the expiring contract of the Argentine star player within La Liga regulations. Those issues are still unresolved, but according to Mundo Deportivo and Sport, the club is working hard on a plan to facilitate the return of the prodigal son as his departure from PSG appears imminent.
For example, chairman Joan Laporta plans to cut costs for around 200 million euros in the salary house. For this, various players have to settle for a salary cut or leave. The transfer fees they may generate will be used to fund Messi’s return. In addition, the 35-year-old world champion himself will have to give up considerably compared to the salary he currently earns at PSG.
“If Messi wants to come home, there is never a risk of failure”
In addition, Barcelona expects Messi’s return to have a significant positive impact on revenue. Revenues from merchandising, for example through shirt sales, and from sponsorship are forecast to increase by approximately 25 percent. Sources at the club expect Messi to be able to generate more revenue than Michael Jordan in the 1990s in the NBA, because football is a global sport.
The most important thing is, of course, that Messi himself is open to a return to his old love, but Barcelona has few doubts about that. Trainer Xavi still has good contact with his old teammate, just like some veterans in the selection such as Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. In addition, Messi himself wants to remain active at the highest level, despite lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Special explanation Al-Nassr about obscene gesture Ronaldo
Shifting our focus to Messi’s rival, Al-Nassr has responded to allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo about the obscene gesture he allegedly made towards Al-Hilal fans on Tuesday.
In Riyadh, Ronaldo, who lost 2-0. Due to two striking penalties from former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, was harassed with Messi songs. As he left the field, he raised his hand in his pubic area. An obscene gesture, it was thought. But his club Al-Nassr comes up with a completely different explanation.
The number two in the Saudi Pro League attributes the action. Of the Portuguese superstar to a sensitive injury in the groin area. They stated, “Ronaldo is injured. A duel with Gustavo Cuellar, player of Al-Hilal, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. This is confirmed information. The fans can think what they want.”
Ronaldo’s controversial gesture caused a lot of commotion in Saudi Arabia. “It is considered a crime of public dishonor and is one of the crimes leading to arrest. And exile if committed by a foreigner,” a lawyer specializing in international law announced.
It was not the first time that Ronaldo Messi received chants on Tuesday. After the lost semi-final in the Saudi Cup, Ronaldo was also the target of ridicule. Earlier in the top match against Al-Hilal, Ronaldo was visibly irritated when he put an opponent in a neck clamp.
