- Nasima Akter
Barcelona Fans Give Tribute to Messi During El Clasico
Barcelona fans made their feelings clear about Lionel Messi in the recent Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Madrid. Despite Barcelona suffering a 4-0 defeat, fans inside and outside the stadium were heard chanting Messi's name throughout the game.
Reports say that the fans had prepared to chant Lionel Messi's name during the 10th minute of the Copa del Rey Clasico against Real Madrid.
Before this, Messi's name was chanted around the famous stadium on March 26 ahead of the Gerard Pique-sponsored Kings League final. During that time, several former and current Barcelona players had encouraged the Argentine to return to Barcelona for what was likely to be the last big contract of his career.
Talks on Messi's Transfer
The tribute to the Argentine superstar came after Barcelona's director and vice president hinted at the possibility of the player's return to Camp Nou. They both stated that the club is in negotiations with Messi and even if he is currently in Paris, no one can question the love he receives in Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the club's vice president, Rafa Yuste, confirmed that they had been in contact with Messi about a possible return to Camp Nou.
PSG has reportedly been trying to extend his contract, but some of their fans have recently been booing him due to the club’s recent failures in the Champions League. Messi’s contract with PSG expires at the end of this season.
Messi spent almost two decades at Barcelona before leaving in 2021 due to financial woes at the club. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal that ends this summer. PSG is trying hard to extend his contract, but the possibility of a move to a rival club of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League has also been reported.
Barcelona’s vice-president Rafael Yuste has admitted that there has been “contact” with Messi and that he would “love it” if Messi returned to the club.
In addition to the talks with Barcelona, Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, in particular, is said to have offered a whopping £ 350 million-a-year contract to sign the 35-year-old. So far, it is believed that Messi is keen on remaining in Europe if he does leave PSG.
Other Reports on the Transfer Speculations
While there are still speculations circulating, the club is hopeful that Messi will choose to come back to Catalonia. Former teammate Xavi, who is now their manager, has also urged Messi to return, saying, "I'm the first person who would love to see the best player ever return. And it is normal that fans are excited about a 'Last Dance' like [with] Michael Jordan."
Despite the speculation and calls for a transfer, Messi’s plans remain unclear. If Messi returns to Barcelona this summer, it will be a statement of intent for the club ahead of next season as they look to build on the successes of this campaign.
For now, Barcelona fans continue to chant his name in the hope that he will return to their team.
