Leo Messi clinched league glory with PSG on Saturday, then flew to Barcelona to catch a cold Sunday evening in the city, a night that also saw the band’s final concert with Chris Martin performing nearby. On Monday, still buzzing from the moment, he dined at a restaurant beside Turó Park, a favorite spot of FC Barcelona’s management recently. The bill wasn’t small. Among the company were Jordi Alba and Cesc Fabregas, not accompanied by Joan Laporta, who was boarding a private plane bound for an undisclosed destination in the Middle East. The return trip is scheduled for today as the club celebrates the “Culer of the Year” gala, organized by Sport newspaper.
Messi and Laporta next to each other in public as distant as their estrangement in Paris two years ago. Communication between the two has been almost non-existent, leaving the relationship fragile. The president has yet to present a concrete offer to the World Champion, despite the club’s own public push. Messi’s family reportedly hopes to return to his homeland, with Castelldefels mentioned as a possible base, but Barcelona currently offers no soft landing for the forward.
solving the future
The 35-year-old Messi will soon decide where his remarkable career should end. His father indicated a decision will come once the current French season concludes, with only one day remaining until the final matchday. The future in Barcelona appears unlikely, and the Saudi Arabia option remains a tangible possibility, alongside the seemingly lucrative deal that would substantially increase Messi’s earnings. Other offers could emerge. Barcelona can offer uncertainty at this moment, a factor Messi reportedly wants to avoid.
Barça remains mindful of the broader league context. The league’s leadership has signaled a need for a realistic plan and salary cap rules, a framework that could force the sale of first-team players. Messi would likely wait for those broader decisions before sitting down to discuss any new contract — a deal that would have to be competitively structured and where the club’s decision makers are cautious about overcommitting. Rational assessment suggests Barça may appear unstable to a player who has seen it all, creating a cautious approach to negotiations. Family logistics also weigh on the decision, adding another layer to the choice ahead.
Xavi emerged as the primary connector between Barça and Messi, their bond rooted in a long history as teammates and friends. The coach has consistently stated that the final call rests with the Argentine, underscoring Messi’s central role in any comeback scenario. “Leo has evolved into a midfield influence,” Xavi remarked, drawing a chalkboard line through his own thoughts to illustrate how Messi could fit into the tactical setup as a dynamic link between attack and build-up play.