Lionel Messi’s rumoured return to Barcelona this summer took another twist on Monday when the Paris Saint-Germain attacker was spotted leaving a Catalonian restaurant with former Barca teammates and close pals Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
The Argentina international has been heavily linked to a return to Camp Nou this summer, two years after leaving the club for Paris Saint-Germain.
He is at another crossroads in his career as his deal at Parc des will expire in June. He has not committed to a new deal, although the club offered him a contract extension which he turned down.
According to reports, the club is no longer looking to keep him beyond this summer and will prioritise signing younger French players and giving academy stars a chance.
While the rumours keep swirling and Messi’s future continues to make the headlines, the 35-year-old has remained quiet.
However, his body language shows he is inclined to leave the PSG as a free agent this summer, with Barcelona the likeliest destination.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly withdrew his kids from their school in Paris, enrolling them in their former school in Barcelona.
And on Monday, he added further fuel to the rumours and hoped he would return to the city by travelling to Barcelona to spend a few days with his family. He also used the opportunity to catch up with friends as he was spotted with current Barca stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Jijantes filmed the trio, accompanied by their partners and Barca’s former fitness coach Pepe Costa. The group reportedly spent three hours together over dinner before leaving.
Lionel Messi remains close friends with Alba and Busquets and the trio met in a similar night out in February this year.