LIONEL MESSI is ready to play for Barcelona FOR FREE but is being prevented by LaLiga rules, reports suggest.
The Argentine superstar, 35, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in June.
A number of parties are interested in signing him, namely Inter Miami, clubs in Saudi Arabia and Barcelona.
And according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Messi would "gladly" go back and play at his old stomping ground for free.
However, writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs revealed La Liga rules would prevent such a transfer from materialising.
He wrote: "Messi would likely and gladly play for free for Barcelona or with a massive pay cut, but this would be deemed as financial manipulation."
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Jacobs then went on to reveal there would likely be outgoings if a deal to bring Messi back could be found, including one of the club's most valuable stars.
He added: "So Barcelona’s problem is they need a lot of dominos to fall in place to pull off a Messi return, and that may also mean outgoings.
"Ansu Fati could be one casualty even though he wants to stay at the club."
This could offer a boost to the likes of Manchester United, who have been linked with the Spanish winger in recent months.
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But Jacobs believes any deal with Barcelona is "weeks" away from being hashed out, giving Middle Eastern interest a vital advantage.
He concluded: "It’s hard to see Barcelona completing anything in a matter of weeks, and that’s what gives Saudi Arabia confidence.
"A government-backed offer, supported by the Saudi Pro League, has been on the table since April.
"Messi would earn around £320m-per-year [€370m], almost double Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary.
"Many of the same dealmakers that took Ronaldo to Al-Nassr are involved."
Reports have suggested Messi has been offered an astonishing £1billion package to move to the Saudi league, which would see him DOUBLE Cristiano Ronaldo's salary in the country.
However, reports elsewhere suggest Inter Miami and Barcelona and concocting a plan which could see Messi sign for David Beckham's Major League Soccer franchise before heading to Barca on loan.
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