Barcelona speed up efforts to re-sign Lionel Messi with dressing room support

Barcelona have accelerated their efforts to re-sign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The transfer saga of the Argentine superstar continues to be the most talked about thing, with his chances of continuing at PSG said to be bleak.

Messi’s contract at Parc des Princes expires this summer, and PSG are open to parting ways with him to balance the books.

Barca have prioritised the return of Messi and are said to be exploring every avenue to make it happen.

According to a new report from Spanish journalist Alex Pintanel, Barca are progressing quickly in their pursuit of Lionel Messi, with the key members of the hierarchy and dressing room endorsing the move.

The 35-year-old recently travelled to Barcelona for a short holiday and was also spotted having dinner with some of his ex-teammates, which has fuelled the speculation.

Barca are planning for a mini clearout this summer as an attempt to ease their financial crisis and trim their bloated wage bill.

Players like Ferran Torres, Franck Kessie, Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia are reportedly on the sale list after being deemed surplus to requirements.

Blaugrana manager Xavi is pushing for the return of Messi, with whom he shares an excellent relationship. The Spanish gaffer wants the Argentine to be the leader of his project next season.

Messi had a lacklustre campaign with PSG last season but has returned to his phenomenal best this term, being the most decisive player for the French giants with 20 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

On top of that, he steered La Albiceleste to World Cup glory, beating his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe in the finals.

Besides Messi, Barca are looking to sign Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez on free transfers.