Lionel Messi will make a decision on his future in just HOURS after father’s Barcelona meeting

Lionel Messi will make a decision on his future in the coming hours after his father met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday.

The 35-year-old’s father and agent Jorge spoke to Laporta regarding a return to Barcelona though Mail Sport understands the tone of the conversation was pessimistic with the Spanish champions unable to make a proper offer because of the restrictions of financial fairplay that remain on the club’s finances.

Jorge said: ‘He would love to return to Barcelona. I would like it too but we will see.’

Messi has left Paris St Germain and has offers from Al Hilal and Inter Miami. Other European sides have shown tentative interest, but the Argentina captain’s salary is an obstacle. 

The Argentine superstar wants to return to Barca, however, he can’t afford to wait on them for long as other offers could fall away.

His father Jorge (pictured) held talks with Joan Laporta over a return – though Mail Sport understands there was pessimism over whether the club could work out a deal financially

Barcelona are due to meet LaLiga officials to make a presentation regarding their finances (RFEF president Luis Rubiales pictured alongside Barcelona president Laporta)

Barca are due to meet La Liga officials to make a presentation regarding their finances and Messi wants to make a quick decision over his next choice.

Messi played his last game for PSG on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat to Clermont – which saw the World Cup winning captain booed by his own fans.

The forward’s father – who is also his agent – was seen heading into what is believed to be Laporta’s house in a video shared by Toni Juanmarti earlier today.

A deal would see Messi return to the club he called home for 17 years, giving the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner what would likely be a fairytale ending to his career.

Messi scored 32 goals in 73 appearances for PSG as he rekindled his relationship with ex-Barcelona star Neymar and formed a formidable forward set-up with the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe.

But he failed to help the Parisians lift their much-desired first Champions League trophy as they fell short in both attempts while Messi was at the club, and they must now turn to alternative options.

At Barcelona, Messi is an icon and scored a glut of goals for the Spanish side – netting 672 times in 778 appearances and winning 34 trophies.

A move back to Barcelona would see him re-unite with former team mate Xavi (right), who is now the manager

He was reduced to tears when he left in 2021 – after being forced to depart the Nou Camp following the club’s financial crisis. Their crippling debt meant they were unable to afford to pay his eye-watering £500,000 a week salary.

Saudi side Al-Hilal are also interested, after Al-Nassr were able to sign his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of last year.

Karim Benzema also looks likely to join the Saudi Pro League after his departure from Real Madrid.

Inter Miami – owned by former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham – have long been linked with a move for the Argentine World Cup winner.