Barcelona confirm Lionel Messi could return as president “won’t rule out anything”

Barcelona’s president believes Lionel Messi could be set for a return to his boyhood club after refusing to “rule out anything.”

The Argentine spent 21 years with the Catalan side, winning every trophy imaginable and shattering numerous records before he was forced to leave last summer due to the club’s dismal financial situation.

Messi, 34, reportedly did not want to leave his beloved Blaugrana and cried at his farewell press conference before joining French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

But Barcelona president Joan Laporta has now hinted that the magician may end up back at the Camp Nou before he calls time on his illustrious career.

Messi’s PSG career has been a huge anti-climax so far, having missed pre-season with his new club and then missed several games due to injury.

He is yet to score a Ligue 1 goal despite his phenomenal record of scoring at least 25 league goals in each season since 2008/09

And Laporta, who resumed his post as Barcelona president earlier this year after Josep Bartomeu’s arrest, has hinted that the door is open for both Messi and legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta to return to Catalonia.

He said: “I don’t rule anything out. It happened with Dani [Alves], age is a number.

They’re two great players. I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow, they’re still playing & contracted to other clubs. You never know…

His comments follow the arrival of iconic full-back Dani Alves, who returned to the club this week after six years, re-joining former teammate and new manager Xavi.

Alves will not be able to feature in any matches until January, though he remains eager to help the club push beyond their ninth-placed position in La Liga.

He wrote on his Instagram: “I knew within my heart and within my soul that this day would come. See you soon with the same desire to help rebuild the best club in the world.”

Messi formed a devastating partnership on the right-hand side with the Brazilian during his heyday, which could end up being another crucial asset in luring him back to Barcelona once the club’s financial situation is less precarious.