Lionel Messi’s potential Barcelona return takes major hit as LaLiga makes fresh FFP ruling: Reports

Lionel Messi’s dream of returning to FC Barcelona has suffered another setback as LaLiga has reportedly introduced a fresh set of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations that could further complicate the club’s attempts to bring back their legendary forward.

Barcelona, which has been battling financial constraints for several seasons, had been working towards making a Messi comeback financially viable. However, according to reports, LaLiga’s latest ruling on FFP could make it nearly impossible for the Catalan giants to facilitate his return without significant sacrifices.

Ever since Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 due to Barcelona’s inability to register his contract under LaLiga’s financial regulations, speculation about a potential reunion has never faded. The Argentine maestro himself has expressed his deep connection to the club, and several reports suggested that Barcelona had been strategizing ways to reintegrate him into the squad.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas had previously indicated that Barcelona needed to drastically reduce their wage bill and generate more revenue if they were to have any hope of re-signing Messi. The club has since made efforts to comply with FFP rules, including offloading players, restructuring contracts, and securing new sponsorship deals. However, the latest update from LaLiga suggests that even those measures might not be enough.

According to reports, the new FFP regulations place stricter limits on clubs with a history of exceeding salary caps, making it even harder for financially troubled teams to sign high-profile players without meeting stringent financial criteria. This could significantly affect Barcelona’s ability to present an offer that aligns with LaLiga’s requirements.

Barcelona’s financial struggles have been well-documented, and despite efforts to improve their financial standing, the club remains under strict scrutiny from LaLiga. Their attempts to register new signings and contract extensions have frequently been delayed or blocked due to their financial instability.

The latest ruling means that even if Messi were willing to accept a reduced salary to return, Barcelona would still need to make major financial adjustments before his registration could be approved. This includes additional player sales, wage cuts, or external investment, all of which present significant challenges.

Sources close to the club indicate that Barcelona’s management had been preparing for negotiations with Messi’s camp, hoping to finalize a plan that would allow his return. However, the new ruling forces them to reconsider their approach, potentially delaying any concrete developments.

Messi, who is currently playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, has never hidden his love for Barcelona. His departure was an emotional one, and he has since reiterated his desire to retire at the club where he became a global icon. However, with these new hurdles in place, the dream scenario is becoming increasingly unrealistic.

Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s head coach, has also spoken openly about his desire to see Messi back at the club. He believes the veteran playmaker would add immense value both on and off the pitch. However, with the financial situation still unresolved, Xavi’s hopes may remain just that—hopes.

LaLiga’s ruling comes at a time when Barcelona is already struggling to meet financial obligations while competing at the highest level. The club’s board had been working on multiple strategies, including increasing revenue streams and negotiating sponsorship deals, but the latest constraints could derail their plans.

Some analysts believe that Barcelona might be forced to explore alternative routes, such as a deferred payment structure or a contract with special clauses that comply with LaLiga’s regulations. However, such solutions remain speculative at this point.

Despite the setbacks, fans of Barcelona and Messi remain hopeful that the club will find a way to make his return happen. The Argentine’s influence on the club’s history is unparalleled, and his presence would undoubtedly boost the team’s morale and global appeal.

For now, the situation remains fluid. Barcelona’s board is expected to meet in the coming weeks to reassess their financial strategies and determine whether a Messi comeback is still within the realm of possibility. Meanwhile, LaLiga’s firm stance on financial discipline continues to pose an uphill battle for the Catalan club.

With time running out and new regulations tightening the club’s spending flexibility, the likelihood of a Messi-Barcelona reunion is fading. Unless Barcelona can pull off an unexpected financial masterstroke, Messi’s long-awaited return may remain a distant dream rather than a reality.