Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.

The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

After two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.

But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is looking to the future.

Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.

Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: "He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona."

The Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: "No, my place is there."

A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona's ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.

Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: "I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

"There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.

"You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle."

While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.

Mas said: "I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10."