Robert Lewandowski Admits He Wants Lionel Messi FC Barcelona Return

FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has spoken on the possibility of playing with Lionel Messi at the club next season.

The Argentine becomes a free agent on June 30 when his Paris Saint Germain contract expires. If Lewandowski has anything to do with it, however, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will snub a big money offer from the Middle East reported on by El Chiringuito and team up with him in Catalonia for a second stint at Barca.

“I would like to play with him here,” Poland captain Lewandowski told compatriot journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk in an interview. “He has changed his style in recent years. It’s easier to play with players who understand football as deeply as he does.”

“Leo’s style of play has evolved in recent years,” Lewandowski continued. “He thinks differently, positions himself differently on the field, plays the ball differently. He has a unique sense. We would definitely use him.”

Though Messi has been tipped for a deeper midfield role if he dons Blaugrana again, Lewandowski refused to be drawn on the forward being taken off the wing. “You will have to ask Xavi about that,” he answered when probed on the topic.

One thing is for sure, however. With Messi around, Lewandowski, who currently leads the way to clinch the Pichichi top scorer award in Spain while also having sealed the La Liga title in his debut season at Camp Nou, might be in line to take those top prizes once more in 2023/2024.

“I’m proud of our season,” Lewandowski remarked. “Winning the league and the Super Cup is a great achievement. This title tastes different to those won with [former club] Bayern [Munich], and I won eight in a row. Here we are in transition. We’re building something new.”

On his 32 goals in all competitions, Lewandowski said he would have signed up for the tally if pushed to settle on it before starting the season.

“It was difficult with the World Cup in between. It wasn’t a normal pre-season for me. I’m sure I can do better in the second year,” he insisted.

Joining Barca as part of a €50 million ($54 million) transfer last summer, 34-year-old Lewandowski signed a contract until 2025/2026 which is worth a reported €52 million in total earnings according to AS.