BARCELONA, Spain: Lionel Messi’s father and representative Jorge Messi said on Thursday it is unlikely his son will return to play for Barcelona.
The 35-year-old signed for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 after the Catalan club were unable to renew his deal because of La Liga’s financial fair play rules.
“I don’t think so, the conditions aren’t right,” Jorge Messi told reporters at Barcelona airport.
He said he had not spoken to Barcelona president Joan Laporta about a deal and that Messi “has a contract with Paris Saint-Germain.”
Messi’s deal with PSG is set to expire in the summer and at present he has not agreed new terms.
“Life takes many turns,” said Jorge Messi, when asked if he would like to see his son play for Barcelona again.
The Argentina forward, who won the World Cup in December, joined Barcelona as a 13 year old and became a club legend.
Messi won 35 trophies with Barcelona, scoring a record 672 goals in 778 games across all competitions.
‘I don’t think so’ — Messi’s father on Barca return
https://arab.news/c6km6
‘I don’t think so’ — Messi’s father on Barca return
- "I don't think so, the conditions aren't right," Jorge Messi told reporters at Barcelona airport
- Messi's deal with PSG is set to expire in the summer and at present he has not agreed new terms
Griezmann’s free kick seals Atletico Madrid progress in Copa del Rey
- Last year’s champions Barcelona will play at Racing Club Santander on Thursday
Antoine Griezmann’s sublime second-half free kick earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at second-tier Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday, securing their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Coming off a frustrating start to 2026 with a disappointing 1-1 draw in LaLiga against Real Sociedad and a 2-1 loss in the Spanish Super Cup to bitter rivals Real Madrid, Diego Simeone fielded a near full-strength side at the Riazor Stadium, with only goalkeeper Jan Oblak rested among regular starters.
Midfielder Conor Gallagher, reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur, and forward Giacomo Raspadori, linked with a move to Atalanta, were also absent from the squad that made the trip to Galicia.
Atletico dictated the early proceedings, with Julian Alvarez denied by La Coruna keeper German Parreno following a sharp effort, while Matteo Ruggeri struck the woodwork in the 15th minute.
La Coruna came close to an opener when Cristian Herrera’s close-range shot was superbly saved by Atletico’s back-up goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Griezmann grew into the game, narrowly missing the target with a fierce strike from distance that rattled the crossbar in the 40th minute before the decisive moment arrived in the 61st.
Awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, Griezmann stepped up and delivered a left-footed effort that curled into the top corner, leaving keeper German Parreno with no chance.
Atletico maintained control for much of the second half, their defensive organization under Simeone proving impenetrable for a La Coruna side that has now won just once in their last seven outings across all competitions.
Despite dominating possession and creating further chances, Atletico struggled to add to their lead, with Griezmann’s strike proving the only goal of the match.
Atletico were the first team to advance to the quarter-finals, as Real Madrid will visit Albacete on Wednesday in Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as the club’s new manager following Xabi Alonso’s departure on Monday.
Last year’s champions Barcelona will play at Racing Club Santander on Thursday.
