Lionel Messi is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the campaign and his future has been greatly speculated - including a possible Barcelona return

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed meeting Lionel Messis father Jorge amid ongoing speculation over the Argentine superstars future.

Messi is said to be set toopen contract extension negotiations with Paris Saint-Germainhavingjoined the French club on a two-year contractin the summer of 2021. After a difficult debut campaign in Paris, he has netted 18 goals and provided 19 assists this season andhas spoken of his happiness at adapting to lifein France this term.

The 35-year-old has been linked with a return toBarcelonabut hehas been refusing to answer phone callsmade on behalf of a negotiator close to Laporta,who is desperate for the Argentine star to returnto the Camp Nou but his negotiating tactic has so far proven unsuccessful.

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Messi appears to have entirely ended his relations with Laporta, whom he feels misled him over his future two summers ago with the club unable to offer him a contract extension at the Camp Nou, and the Argentine was only aware of this situation in August when he then uplifted his life by moving to Paris.

The twos separations were also evident at the recent FIFA The Best awards in the French capital when Messi scooped the Mens Best Player of 2022 award. He did not speak to Laporta at all during the event after the Barca president had assured his attendance.

Laporta has now clarified that he recently spoke with Messis father Jorge, who also acts as his agent. The subject was said by the Barca chief to be Messi pulling on the clubs shirt once more but in a tribute, match to mark the players achievements at Camp Nou.

We (he and Jorge Messi) have seen each other, Laporta confirmed to reporters on Tuesday, as reported byMundo Deportivo.I congratulated him for Argentinas World Cup victory. We are talking about a tribute match for Leo, who has extraordinary affection for Barca.

Have Your Say!Where will Messi be playing next season?Tell us what you think here.

Laporta was then coy when asked about a possible transfer return for Messi, by insisting that he would not talk about the player before doing exactly that: Hes at PSG right now, so I dont want to speak about whether or not he could return. Leos thing isnt about money, were talking about a tribute.

When speaking of Messis exit two years ago, Laporta lamented: I didnt like that he left but I had no other option. The institution is above all. We didnt have fair play. I have a sad feeling. I had to choose and I chose the institution.

MLS club Inter Miami have also explored the possibility of tempting Messi to the United States this summer but despitereports that a deal had been agreedupon at the end of the current season, that appears to be premature. Their coach Phil Neville has subsequently talked up the possibility of a move although such claims may be slightly fanciful.

We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club, Inter Miami boss Neville toldThe Times.Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years. Theyre great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organisation. For MLS, it would be a game-changer.

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