According to journalist Gerard Romero, Sergio Busquets and
Jordi Alba have expressed their willingness to stay at Barcelona if Lionel
Messi returns from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
It's not a request from Messi, but rather a decision made
by the players to reduce their salaries to help with his return, added Romero.
Messi, who is in the last year of his contract with PSG,
has reportedly been in discussions with the Parisians to extend his stay.
Reports suggest that PSG have offered him an incremental raise to persuade him
to stay, but Messi has not yet committed to staying in Paris beyond the summer.
Amidst these never-ending contract extension negotiations,
reports of Messi's return to the Blaugrana have gained pace, with his former
teammate Xavi Hernandez now at the helm at the Camp Nou. It's no secret that
Messi has a strong emotional connection with Barcelona, having spent his entire
career at the club before leaving for PSG in 2021.
Messi won over 34 trophies during his time at Barcelona,
including ten La Liga, seven Copa del Rey and four Champions League honours.
His rumoured return to Barcelona has generated a lot of
excitement among fans, who hope to see Messi reunite with some of his former
teammates in the twilight of his illustrious career. The Blaugrana are showing
signs of regaining their stature in Europe under Xavi, so Messi's return would
be another shot in the arm for the Blaugrana.
Amidst all the rumours, it remains to be seen if the
35-year-old extends his stay in Paris or returns to Spain at the end of the
season.