One year after Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona, will he return "home"?

One year ago news were coming out of Barcelona that no one was prepared to accept. The Argentinean star and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could not continue in the culé dressing room because of economic reasons. A year later, the Catalan fans continue to regret his departure, but now do not rule out and maintain the hopes of his return.

Messi acknowledged, at a farewell press conference, that he was in shock: “It is the most difficult moment of my sporting career. When they told me I was blocked. It's been a cold wakeup. I've had hard and difficult moments, but this.... I feel very sad, I didn't expect it. I always went straight ahead. I feel sadness. I am still assimilating it. I don't know about Barça, but I did everything I could to continue. I lowered my salary by half. I wanted to stay...".

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Barça could not, for strictly economic reasons, keep their superstar in the squad, his continuity was not viable because it violated financial fair play rules. La Liga did not allow it: the numbers did not add up. Barcelona had to say goodbye, suddenly, to the best player in its history, the player who had defended its colors for 21 years, 17 seasons in the First Division, and had won 35 titles. The most successful Barça player, the man of records, magic and fantasy, would wear another jersey, a nightmare come true.

Today, many things have changed, at Barcelona and with Messi, and their paths may cross again. It does not seem easy, but there is a chance. The relationship of the star with Laporta and his Board are not very good, but the fans were hopeful with the words of the culé president: “It is an aspiration that I have as president and I would like it to happen, I have been co-responsible for that end that I consider provisional. Messi's time at Barça did not end as we all wanted it to…".

Will Messi be reunited with Xavi in Barcelona?

Messi has a contract with PSG until June 2023, with an option for one more season. Last season, he played in 33 games for the French side, scoring 11 goals. At 35, he is still one of the best players in the world and the dressing room and the stands at Camp Nou yearn for him. The team, Xavi and the fans miss his magic on the pitch. The club has had to dig deep into its pockets in the winter transfer window and this summer to make up for his absence and sign offensive talent to compensate for his departure. Today marks the one-year anniversary of his departure, a departure that still hurts and has not yet healed, but Barça now sees its future with more optimism, thanks to the signings made and the possibility that Messi could be back in his city next year.