Imagine being in France, yet your name rings in the air in Spain. That is the state Lionel Messi is right now.
Wednesday night humiliating game against Real Madrid is one that Barcelona fans will not forget so soon.
Messi is being linked with a return to Barcelona, and fans in Catalunya have made their feelings clear by singing his name during the El Clasico that brutal-bantering fans could call El Massacre.
The Blaugrana were in Copa del Rey action against Real Madrid on Wednesday April 5, 2023 with supporters taking to chanting “Messi” in the 10th minute of that contest – in a nod towards the shirt number that the iconic Argentine once filled at Camp Nou.
Barca followers clearly want to see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner retrace his steps from Paris Saint-Germain as he continues to run down a lucrative contract in France towards free agency.
Barca have admitted to being in contact with representatives of Messi as speculation rages regarding his next move.
Really, the Liga giants are eager to bring him back onto their books two years after bidding an emotional farewell to the all-time great.
Read more: Xavi BLASTS Barcelona Squad After El Clasico Mauling
Messi registered 672 goals for Barca during his first spell with the club, through 778 appearances, and helped them to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.
The expectation is that he will be on the move this summer after growing disillusioned with life at Parc des Princes.
But is Messi still in top flight well enough to bring them the performance they seek.