“50% chance” of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona

Lionel Messi hit the post twice from free kicks before the last quarter of the game against Panama. And for a moment the home crowd, which cheered every touch of the magician donning an Argentina shirt as a World Champion for the first time, might have thought there won’t be anything else to celebrate concerning their hero. But as has been the case with him at Barcelona, PSG, and Argentina, Messi kept trying and finally delivered.

The 35-year-old managed to rattle the net with his set-piece effort in the 89th minute and reach his 800th career goal for club and country.

In an eerily manner, Barcelona’s pursuit of a reunion is playing out like the events that unfolded during Argentina’s 2-0 win over Panama.

The La Liga leaders are understood to be trying to sign Messi. With Paris Saint-Germain also determined to keep the player in the French capital for another season, it’s not going to be easy to get the ball over the line.

“50% chance” of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona

Whether they succeed in their attempts, akin to Messi’s goal, remains to be seen. However, Sergio Aguero – a former Barcelona striker and Messi’s close friend – feels there’s a coin-toss chance of the deal happening in the summer. The ex-Manchester City star said:

"“My feeling is that there is a 50% chance that Leo Messi will return at Barça. I think that Leo should retire at Barça. Barcelona is his home, he has to finish his career here. Laporta has to make an effort in bringing back Leo.”Source: Kings League via Fabrizio Romano"

Considering Barcelona’s financial situation and the need of strengthening multiple positions, it’s not going to be easy to return to Camp Nou. But if Messi wants something, he more often than not, makes it happen. Like his free-kick!