Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to return to Barcelona at some point even after his playing career ends, saying that he wants to see the club grow.
The Argentine superstar had left the Spanish club in August after being told they could not offer him a new contract because of the club's burgeoning wage bill.
Messi, who has since joined Paris St Germain, told Catalan media outlet SPORT that he was not sure if he could return to the Spanish team once his contract with the French club ends, but he was sure that he was going to live in Barcelona.
“If there is a possibility, I would like to contribute again in what I can because it is the club that I love and I would love for it to continue to be good, to continue growing, and to continue being one of the best in the world,” said Messi.
“I don't know if I will return when my contract with PSG ends. What is certain is that we are going to live in Barcelona again and that our life will be there. It is what my wife wants and what I want.”
Messi added that he was open to returning to the club where he spent over two decades, but probably in a technical role after he retires from playing.
“I always said that I would love to be able to help the club. I would love to be a technical secretary (sporting director) at some point. I don't know if it will be at Barcelona or not. Or if it will be elsewhere.”
He also reacted to recent comments by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, saying that he was “hurt” when he heard that Laporta said that he hoped Messi would play for free. Messi insists he was never asked to do that.
“The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free,” said Messi.
“I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more. The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona.
"Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time, it seems to me that the words said by the president are out of place. They hurt me because I think he doesn't need to say that, it's like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things.”
When asked if he was likely to win his seventh Ballon d’Or this year—Messi has been nominated for it—he played it down.
“If I'm honest, I don't think so. My biggest prize was what I was able to achieve with the national team. After having fought and fought so much for that achievement, it was the best for all it cost,” said Messi, referring to Argentina’s Copa America victory in June.
The 34-year-old also said that he has not thought of retiring after the 2022 World Cup as some reports had suggested.
Messi has not had the best start to life at his new club. In his eight appearances for PSG, he scored three goals but is yet to find the back of the net in the domestic league.