Lionel Messi has revealed his desire to return to Barcelona in a technical director role after he has finished his playing career.
The Argentinian made world headlines when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer after his club of 21 years was unable to renew his contract.
Football fans across the world couldn’t quite believe that the great man himself would not be wearing the blue and red of Barca this season. But that’s precisely what happened. He is now wearing the blue and red of PSG instead.
The move hasn’t entirely gone to plan thus far, with Messi failing to score in any of his five Ligue 1 outings this season. He has, however, produced match-winning performances in the Champions League.
Three months after the transfer that shook world football, Messi has declared he wants to return to Barca – but only once he is retired.
He told Spanish news outlet Sport when asked about a possible return: “Yes. I always said that I would love to be able to help the club in what can be useful and can add and help to the club as well.”
“I would love to be [the] technical director at some point. I don’t know if it’s going to be at Barcelona or not. If there is the possibility, I would like to contribute again in what I can because it is the club I love, and I would love it to continue to be good, to continue to grow and remain one of the best in the world.”
Barca struggles post-Messi
After Messi’s departure, it’s fair to say Barca have struggled this season. They are ninth in La Liga and lost two of their first three Champions League matches. Club legend Ronald Koeman received the sack from his managerial role last month, and B-team boss Sergi Barjuan is currently in temporary charge.
Their financial woes meant plenty of outgoings in the summer. Francisco Trincao, Antoine Griezmann and Miralem Pjanic all left on loan. Emerson Royal, Iliax Moriba and Messi himself exited permanently.
In addition to these moves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and others took wage cuts. The club is in a sorry state, but Messi’s words – and the potential return of Xavi as coach – suggest that brighter days are ahead.Â
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