Lionel Messi names the Barcelona stars he remains in close contact with

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi, this past weekend, provided a fresh insight into his departure from Barcelona, opening up on a host of noteworthy topics.

PSG switch

The subject of Messi’s future of course proved the headline news across a hectic summer transfer window.

This came after it became clear, for the first time, that the Argentine’s career-long stint on the books at the Camp Nou was in genuine danger of coming to an end.

Messi’s terms in Catalunya expired upon the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign, prompting a host of giants from across the continent to express an inevitable interest in his signature.

In turn, despite widespread reports pointing towards progress in negotiations over a renewal, in the end, the Barca-Messi love story was brought to a definitive conclusion early in August:

LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021

From here, as expected, the 34-year-old was quickly picked up by French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, linking up with close friend Neymar at the Parc des Princes.

‘Speak often…’

As outlined above, though, amid an altogether hit-and-miss start to life in the French capital, this past weekend, Messi for the first time truly opened up on his Barcelona exit.

And, inevitably, a number of noteworthy insights were forthcoming.

No doubt most significant in the eyes of the Blaugrana faithful was the 6-time Ballon d’Or winner admitting that, whether it be at boardroom level or elsewhere, he is very much open to the idea of a return to the Catalan capital:

Messi, told SPORT, on a Barça return: “Yes. I’ve always said it that I would love to be able to help the club & be useful in whatever I can. I’d love to be a technical secretary at some point. I don’t know if it’s going to be at Barcelona, or not..” More below. #FCB 🇦🇷🔵🔴

— Reshad Rahman ✆ (@ReshadRahman_) October 31, 2021

Elsewhere, Messi responded to suggestions that he had been ‘betrayed’ by the board at Barcelona, explaining:

‘No, because I know them from the heart. It [departure] took them by surprise as it did to me. They were by my side and supporting me at all times.’

And provided his thoughts on the possibility of clinching a record 7th Ballon d’Or later this month:

‘If I’m honest with you, I don’t think about the Ballon D’Or. My biggest prize was to achieve with the national team. Having fought and fought so hard for that achievement was the ultimate goal. A seventh would be crazy. But if not, no problem.’

Finally, in another response which will no doubt bring a collective smile to the faces of the Barca fanbase, the PSG man confirmed that he remains in regular contact with several of his former teammates, including compatriot Sergio Aguero:

Leo: “I still often talk to Kun Agüero, who was not my team-mate [on a club level] but is a great friend. With Busi, with Jordi Alba I also speak often” #FCB 🤝

— Reshad Rahman ✆ (@ReshadRahman_) November 1, 2021

Check out Messi’s full interview here, with credit to Spanish outlet Diario Sport.

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