Lionel Messi's father 'hopes' that his son will return to Barcelona before the end of his career.

The world of football was shocked last summer when it was announced that the Argentina international would be leaving the Catalan giants on a free transfer.

Barcelona's financial problems prevented them from signing Messi to a fresh contract, and he left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain on an initial two-year deal in August.

The 34-year-old has struggled to show his best form in Paris but has still managed 11 goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona in recent months, and his father Jorge Messi is 'hopeful' that his son will one day make the move back to the La Liga club.

"I hope it [happens], some day," Jorge Messi told Jijantes FC.

Earlier this year, Barcelona boss Xavi said that 'the doors are always open' for Messi at Camp Nou but stopped short of claiming that the club would attempt to re-sign him.

"Messi has earned the right to have the doors open to him at Barcelona, while I am manager here he is welcome to come to see training every day or speak with the manager," Xavi told Mundo Deportivo at the time.

"What he has given us is priceless, he is the best player in history and he deserves a great homage from the club. But currently he has a contract with PSG, I think he signed for two years."

Meanwhile, an advisor to Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested earlier this year that the South American could return to the Catalan giants.

"Nothing is impossible, unlikely situations happen in life," Enric Masip told Cadena SER. "Xavi's words were misunderstood. It wasn't a nod as such.

"It was probably one of the most beautiful periods [for the club], but things went the way they did and he chose a project in Paris. What may have seemed to be collapsing here in Barcelona, the team has survived and has worked well."

Messi represented Barcelona between 2000 and 2021, turning out for their first team between 2004 and 2021, making 777 appearances in all competitions, scoring 672 goals and contributing 302 assists in the process.

The forward won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey crowns and four Champions League trophies during a highly-successful period at Camp Nou.

Messi has helped PSG win Ligue 1 this term, but the French giants again fell short in the Champions League, with Real Madrid and Liverpool to meet in the final later this month.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski, who is pushing to leave Allianz Arena this summer.

The Catalan club's head coach Xavi is said to be keen to add eight new players in the upcoming market in the hope of challenging for all of the major honours next term. body check tags ::