FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has admitted he would love to see Lionel Messi return to the Catalan outfit.
Lionel Messi left Barcelona in the summer transfer window of 2021 after his contract with Barcelona had expired. The Argentine wanted to stay at Barcelona, but they could not retain the services of the star attacker due to structural and financial obstacles.
Lionel Messi currently plies his trade for Paris Saint-Germain but is due to be out of contract at the end of June 2023. He has not yet reached an agreement over extending his stay at PSG. His contract situation has led to speculation surrounding his future.
A move back to Barcelona are among those that have been speculated on. Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are also reportedly interested in Messi, while Inter Miami have also been mooted as a potential destination.
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Lionel Messi is the best player in the world: Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo described Lionel Messi as the best player in the world and admitted he would love for the Argentine superstar to return to Barcelona. The Uruguayan defender also said Messi’s return to Barcelona would help the Catalan outfit win the Champions League title again.
“I would love for Messi to come back, he is the best player in the world and this is his home. His return will help us a lot to win the CL again. Hope we get him again at any opportunity. We all want him by our side,” Ronaldo Araujo said [via Barca Universal].
Ronald Araujo also revealed he has a very good friendship with Lionel Messi. He said: “We have a very good friendship. When I came to the first team, he was always with Lucho (Luis Suárez) and they invited me to have mates with them.
“They received me very well. And when Lucho went to Atlético Madrid, I took his place and I always sat next to Leo.”
Ronald Araujo added that Barcelona would be delighted to have Lionel Messi play for them again.
“He is a spectacular person. Everyone knows what kind of footballer he is, but as a person also, he’s incredible. He’s a winner, and he shows it on and off the pitch. History constantly shows how much he’s won. We would be delighted to have him play for us again.”