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The well-deserved farewell
Messi wants to return to live in Barcelona, would he fit into Flick's plans?
The Argentine star plans to return to Barcelona when his contract with Inter Miami ends. He has a contract until 2025, with the option to extend it for another year, but nothing has been agreed yet
Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona more than 3 years ago. However, his memory is still vivid. After a couple of attempts by the Board of Directors to get him back, it did not happen and he ended up at Inter Miami, with David Beckham. Despite living very far from the city where he was happy, 'La Pulga' never hid his desire to return. Now, he is faced with a dilemma. With the end of his contact link with the American team in 2025, he must decide whether to execute the option to extend it for another year or choose to return to Barcelona.
The Argentine journalist Yanina Latorre, close to the player's family, stated in the newspaper 'La Nación' that the forward does not want to stay in Miami when his link with 'Las Garzas' ends, but rather wants to live in the city of Barcelona. Leo told ESPN in June 2024 that he believes that his current team "will be the last" he plays for. "Nowadays, that's how it is," said the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. However, perhaps an attempt by Barça to sign him could change his mind and, once and for all, allow him to have his well-deserved farewell on the pitch. Throughout this article, we will analyse how the Argentine fits into the plans of the current coach, Hansi Flick, for those who dream of his return.
How could Messi fit into Flick's system?
Lionel has played his entire career in three positions: right winger, false nine and attacking midfielder. On many occasions, his position was not specific, but rather an initial position on paper, but he has always had freedom of movement. Likewise, the Argentine has played in various formations: 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 with its multiple variables, 4-4-2, 3-4-3... In reality, his functions did not change much, as his work area is offensive, without much involvement in defensive tasks.
On paper, Hansi Flick uses a 4-2-3-1. However, depending on who the players are on the pitch, the formation changes. This season we have seen a pure 4-3-3 or a 4-3-3 with a false nine, in addition to the starting formation. In this context, Lionel Messi would adapt perfectly to the German coach's plan. In addition, the vertical and offensive game that this Barça practices is something that the Argentine likes, in fact, a few months ago he said that it is "spectacular" and that it does not surprise him.
Lamine Yamal receives a lot of minutes and pressure, but he does not have a player who helps him to distribute this load. While the Spaniard is in the full dawn of his sporting career, the Rosario native's is in the twilight. So, they could make a good duo on the right wing. However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner could also play the role of a classic '10' or return to the Guardiola era and act as a false nine. In other words, he would offer tactical options to Hansi Flick.
Messi is 37 years old and his return seems very complicated. There were tensions with Joan Laporta when he left, something that could complicate a possible return. He would also have to make an economic effort and accept a less important role. He could be the mentor of the new generation, as Ronaldinho once was. If he decided to return, he would fit into the Blaugrana squad, although everything seems to indicate that his representation of FC Barcelona will not be as a footballer again.