According to the club's vice president Rafael Yuste, Barcelona is in communication with Lionel Messi and would "love" for the Argentine star to make a long-awaited comeback to Camp Nou.

Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain after being forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to financial difficulties, is nearing the end of his two-year contract with the Ligue 1 powerhouse.

The World Cup winner has contributed 17 assists to his season's total of 18 goals, but with PSG losing in the Champions League, questions have been raised about his future in the French city.

Inter Miami, controlled by David Beckham, is eager to get Messi to the MLS, but Barcelona has frequently been linked to a trade, and Yuste wouldn't rule out a reunion on Friday.

"Of course we are in contact with Messi," Yuste said on Friday. "Leo and his family know the affection I have for him, that we have them.

"I participated in the negotiations that did not come to fruition two years ago. I have that thorn stuck in me, and if we talk about La Masia, we talk about Leo.

"I would love for him to come back and I think the fans would too, because beautiful stories in life have to have a happy ending.

"We are in love with Messi and I think Messi is in love with Barca and the city of Barcelona."

Any potential return for Messi may be dependent on Barca's ability to cut their wage bill, with LaLiga president Javier Tebas claiming they must save €200million to meet the competition's regulations for next season.

If the required savings can be made, Yuste believes a move for Messi is possible, adding: "Mateu [Alemany] and Jordi [Cruyff] have to present the viability and income plan to Tebas in two months.

"If all the conditions are given, we would explore that possibility. The president [Joan Laporta] was with Leo's father recently and there is a good relationship.

"Of course, there is no attack plan because I do not want PSG to take it as that. If this happens, it will happen because destiny makes you go back to where you have to go back.

"If we could put all the conditions together and return Leo to Barcelona, it would be the perfect ending to a very happy story."