FC Barcelona have now reportedly taken a big step forward in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi.
The Argentine's playing future remains under a huge cloud of speculation, with several parties believed to be in contention to acquire his services for the 2023/24 campaign.
Read: Barca 'ready to sell' three stars next season
PSG are understood to be determined to have the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner sign a contract renewal, while Barca are thought to have ramped up their chase to sign the player as a free agent after letting him go back in August 2021 due to their financial difficulties.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has met with the 35-year-old's father Jorge Messi to begin preliminary talks over a possible transfer.
It is claimed that while no formal bid has been made yet, this is a big step forward in trying to reach an agreement between the parties involved, with a tribute match for the player – whether or not he re-signs for Barca – having reportedly also been discussed.
It is further reported that the Catalan giants are set to make an offer to Messi's camp in the coming weeks, despite their financial situation remaining a huge hurdle.
It appears the Argentine's fairy'-tale reunion with the Spanish giants is highly anticipated by large sections of the Blaugrana fan base, who once again chanted the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's name during the side's clash against Girona on Monday night.
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"The fans appreciate where we are," Barca manager Xavi Hernandez said of the chants, according to RMC Sport.
"But we are missing the title. Leo generates hope. They have been chanting his name for two games.
"Let's see if that happens. We focus on this season; we have to win LaLiga.
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