Lionel Messi speaks out on future amid Barcelona return links
Former Barcelona star Lionel Messi has on Friday spoken out on his immediate plans for the future.
The name of Argentine icon Messi has of course returned to the forefront of the headlines in Catalunya's capital across the week to date.
This comes after journalist Alex Candal – who broke the news regarding the attacker's plans to sign with Inter Miami – dropped the bombshell that Messi has set his sights on a return to Barcelona:
'Who was the first one to say that Leo Messi was joining Inter Miami? Me… or not? And now I'm telling you: He's coming back to Barcelona.'
¿MESSI DE REGRESO EN EL BARÇA? 🚨🔵🔴 @Alex_candal adelantó que el astro argentino regresaría a Barcelona en un futuro cercano.🎙️ "Palabras de Lio Messi: 'No puedo dejar el fútbol sin antes jugar en el nuevo Camp Nou'".#FútbolTotal pic.twitter.com/VH1b8hAxqM
— DSPORTS (@DSports) February 24, 2025
Speaking to the media late this week, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of Messi's plans beyond the summer were put to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner himself.
This comes ahead of the upcoming expiration of his contract in Miami.
Messi, however, was quick to assure that he is yet to come to a decision on his intentions for next season, in explaining:
'My future? I feel good now and I'm just enjoying every moment of my career. I'm enjoying club, games, teammates, family, friends… I'm not anticipating things. I'm just loving and enjoying the moment.'
🚨 Leo Messi: 'My future? I feel good now and I'm just enjoying every moment of my career'.'I'm enjoying club, games, teammates, family, friends… I'm not anticipating things. I'm just loving and enjoying the moment'. pic.twitter.com/fORFWrArgl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 28, 2025
Conor Laird – GSFN

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
FC Barcelona's pursuit of Ivan Perisic could kill Marcus Rashford deal
FC Barcelona's pursuit of Ivan Perisic could end Marcus Rashford's dream of moving to the Camp Nou. Rashford is very much for sale this summer after falling out with Ruben Amorim in December. It was felt that Aston Villa might make his loan move permanent but they failed to qualify for the Champions League and have significant PSR problems. Advertisement Rashford has made it clear that his preferred destination is Barcelona this summer and sporting director Deco has already spoken of the club's admiration for the attacker. Nonetheless, Barcelona are in no rush to do a deal and it has been reported that they may look to wait until the end of the window to try and complete a loan deal for the winger. Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that there could be another major obstacle to the Catalans' pursuit of Rashford, however. It is stated that, 'Barcelona has begun to make moves in the market and, according to sources close to the club, Ivan Perisic is emerging as one of the first reinforcements that could be finalized.' Advertisement The Croat is a popular option owing to his experience, fitness, versatility and having worked with Barca coach Hansi Flick before. What's more, the fact he is available on a free transfer is another cherry on top of the cake. It is also reported that 'this deal, if finalized, would have an immediate impact on the pursuit of Marcus Rashford, whose signing would lose momentum in the Camp Nou offices.' The United attacker does 'remain favoured' by a portion of the coaching staff but Perisic might just be too good an offer to turn down for the Blaugrana. The Red Devils will certainly want a quick resolution to the Rashford saga as he has no future at Old Trafford under Amorim. His transfer fee and the removal of his hefty wages would also give United significantly greater financial freedom moving forward. Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Barcelona deal for teenage attacking prodigy very close to being finalised
Barcelona deal for teenage attacking prodigy very close to being finalised – report According to a fresh update from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's deal for Portuguese forward Cardoso Varela is all but finalised. In fact, the 16-year-old is poised to become the next addition to Barça's evolving project, although the path to his signing has been far from smooth. Advertisement The club's sporting director, Deco, held decisive talks with Varela's representatives yesterday, signalling that the transfer is now in its final stages. Barcelona have long admired the talented left winger and have been monitoring his development closely. The original intention was to integrate him into the reserve team, but with Barça Atletic suffering relegation to the Second Division, the club is now considering keeping the player on loan at Dinamo Zagreb for another year. Details of the deal The financial structure of the deal appears to be relatively straightforward. Barcelona are expected to pay a fixed sum of €5 million for Varela, with a potential €20 million in performance-related add-ons. Advertisement These variables are tied to his development and eventual impact within the senior squad. Barcelona are close to sign Cardoso Varela. (Photo by) However, the operation has triggered discontent at FC Porto, where Varela began his football journey before moving abroad. Porto have raised objections to the deal, asserting that they still hold some claim to the player's rights. In response, they have sent formal communication to both Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) seeking clarity on the nature of the transfer. Relationship with FC Porto The situation is particularly sensitive as Porto view Barça as a 'sister club' with whom they have shared a historically amicable relationship. Advertisement Although no formal breakdown in diplomatic ties has occurred, sources in Portugal suggest that Porto are frustrated by the lack of involvement or compensation in the deal. The matter remains under FIFA review, with Porto arguing that Varela's early exit from their academy should still entitle them to some consideration. In contrast, Dinamo Zagreb are reportedly already celebrating the move as a done deal. Local reports in Croatia suggest that the club has agreed on the financial package with Barcelona and are confident that the transfer will go through without further complications.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Two reasons why Hansi Flick wants to sign veteran winger at Barcelona
Two reasons why Hansi Flick wants to sign veteran winger at Barcelona Barcelona's pursuit of a new winger is well documented, and while Luis Diaz remains the priority target, an unexpected player has steadily gained traction within the club's sporting department, namely, Ivan Perisic. At 36 years of age, the Croatian veteran may not appear to be the obvious solution for a club often associated with youth and long-term planning, but his recent form and personal connection with Hansi Flick are factors that cannot be overlooked, reports SPORT. Flick likes a leader like Perisic Even in a supporting role, Perisic's credentials suggest he could bring considerable value to a young Barcelona squad that still lacks balance and seasoned leadership. Advertisement While it may seem surprising for a club like Barça to consider a player in the twilight of his career, the context makes the decision more understandable. Perisic has the full backing of Hansi Flick, who coached him during their successful spell at Bayern Munich. Under Flick, the winger played 26 matches, scoring 6 goals and assisting 8 times. Hansi Flick would love to work with Perisic once again. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images) Beyond his output on the pitch, Perisic was a vocal figure in the dressing room, something Flick deeply values, especially in a Barcelona team filled with emerging stars. Still in top form This season at PSV Eindhoven, Perisic featured in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and 11 assists Advertisement His performances have extended beyond the club level, too. In Croatia's World Cup qualifying campaign, Perisic was instrumental, scoring in both matches and racking up four assists, including a hat-trick of assists and a goal in a commanding 7-0 win against Gibraltar. These numbers reflect not only consistency but also a hunger to compete at the highest level. In a squad where youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez are expected to shoulder more responsibility next season, the addition of a seasoned professional like Perisic could provide crucial balance.