24 March 2023 , 06:56
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Former Argentina forward Sergio Aguero believes that there is a "50 per cent chance" that his close friend and compatriot Lionel Messi will make a sensational return to Barcelona before hanging up his boots.
Messi, 35, left the Spanish giants after 21 years back in the summer of 2021 in the wake of the club's financial issues to pen a lucrative two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain. The veteran will be a free agent when that deal ends in the summer and has yet to commit his future to the reigning French champions.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been heavily linked with moves to the Middle East and the United States in recent months - but there has also been plenty of talk about a return to Spain.
And Aguero is of the opinion that his friend could struggle to resist if the opportunity to return to the Nou Camp materialises. The former Manchester City and Barcelona striker told TyC Sports: “I think Leo Messi should retire at Barca. Barcelona is his home and he should finish his career there. My feeling is that there is a 50% chance that he will return.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has, on more than one occasion, outlined that the Spanish giants would like to strike a deal that would see Messi play out the final years of his illustrious career at the club.
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It remains to be seen, however, if the financial issues that have plagued the club over the past few years would restrict them from doing so.
Despite speculation linking Messi with a move elsewhere, PSG are still hopeful of persuading the World Cup winner to extend his stay in the French capital beyond the end of the season - and it was even claimed shortly after the conclusion of the tournament back in December that the Ligue 1 champions were closing in on an agreement with Messi.
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Aguero believes that Messi should retire at Barcelona (FIFA via Getty Images)However, it now seems as though the former Barcelona man could once again be on the move in the summer.
Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal are one of the club's who have been credited with an interest in Messi's services and could offer a package that would rival the mammoth £172million-a-year agreement that Cristiano Ronaldo signed with fellow Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.
Inter Miami, the MLS franchise owned and run by David Beckham, has been touted as another potential destination for Messi if he does decide to cut his stint in Paris short.
A return to Barcelona would see Messi link up with former teammate Xavi Hernandez, who became the club's head coach just months after Messi's departure back in 2021.