Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed that he is “in permanent contact” with current PSG player Lionel Messi and said that he would welcome him back at Barca.
Lionel Messi had grown up in Catalonia and rose through their academy La Masia before making his first team debut in 2005. Since then he became the club’s top scorer, became their best player ever, and won every trophy possible. In 2021, despite new president Joan Laporta’s efforts he had an emotional exit from the club due to the financial mess that the previous regime had under Josep Maria Bartomeu.
He then moved to Paris Saint Germain on a two year contract, with an option to renew for one more season. Struggling in his first season, Messi became more suited to French soccer in his second season. He has been involved in 55 goals in just 61 matches across all competitions.
Afterward he won the Qatar World Cup with Argentina in December, being the best player in the tournament. Despite having a verbal agreement with PSG to extend his contract, he had a heart of change and is now rumored to long for a return to Barcelona.
A rumor that Messi may have to quit international soccer for continuing in Paris. It seems this is a major problem as Messi now wants to return back to Barcelona.
With his contract expiring in the summer and no renewal agreed, Xavi says he would welcome a move from Messi back to “his home”.
In a press conference, Xavi talked about his former teammate’s potential return, “I’ve already said that this is his home and the doors are open to him, he’s a friend, and we’re in constant contact.”
“It will depend on him, on what he wants to do in the future. This is his home, there is no doubt. The best footballer in history would always fit in.”
Xavi on Leo Messi: “Messi knows that Barcelona is his home and the doors are open, I said this many times”. 🚨🔵🔴🇦🇷 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 22, 2023
“He’s my friend — we are in permanent contact, a potential return will only depend on him. Leo is the best player in history, he'd always fit in”. pic.twitter.com/KU8SBymrYP
Xavi’s Barcelona has been in fine form this season. They are now top of La Liga with eight points ahead of rivals Real Madrid with the fewest goals conceded and the most goals scored.
They also won the Supercopa De Espana in January beating Real 3-1 in the final. And yet the Catalans want Messi to return as his impact there was bigger than anything before.
Xavi and Barcelona will next face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League playoffs. The previous leg at Camp Nou was a 2-2 draw so they will hope to finish things at Old Trafford.
