Sep 27, 2022; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores a goal on a penalty kick during the second half against Jamaica at Red Bull Arena. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Could Lionel Messi return to Barcelona next year?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/28/22

Lionel Messi is in his second season playing for France's Paris Saint-Germain, but his long-standing tie to Barcelona is still alive and well --especially since the La Liga club wants to bring him back.

Barca vice president Eduardo Romeu told Spanish radio outlet Catalyuna Radio this week that the team would be able to afford the international superstar in 2023 when his contract with PSG expires, something that wasn't possible two years ago.

"It would be possible financially because if he returned it would be as a free agent," Romeu told Catalunya Radio, via CBS Sports. "But it's a decision which has to be made by the coaching staff and the player. It doesn't correspond to me, but it would be viable."

Leo Messi returns to FC Barcelona in 2023. Yes or No? pic.twitter.com/gyElBckp8l
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) September 28, 2022

Barca's inability to keep Messi while staying under the league's spending limit led to his departure for France in 2021. Details about the Argentine's contract negotiations with Barcelona were recently leaked, causing some to criticize Messi's sticking points on a new contract.

Should Messi choose to return to the club he started with as a teenager, he will do so as a 36-year-old veteran. However age is clearly just a number for Messi, who is still playing at the top of his game.