According to rumours in Spain, Xavi has asked Barcelona to bring back club legend Lionel Messi next summer when his contract in PSG expires.
Messi was anticipated to extend his contract with Barcelona last summer after positive initial conversations between all parties. However, a deal was thwarted by LaLiga’s financial constraints.
In August, the Argentina international ended his 20-year connection with Barcelona by signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 winners Paris Saint-Germain, for whom he scored only six league goals in 2021-22.
Messi stated in May that he did not want to leave the ‘full satisfaction’ of playing at Camp Nou, and according to reports, his former teammate Xavi has informed Barcelona president Joan Laporta of his desire to return.
According to the article, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder has a fantastic relationship with the Argentine star and is certain Messi’s comeback will benefit the club both on and off the field.
According to the source, a return would be Messi’s final transfer, with the goal of him hanging up his boots at the club, putting an end to MLS teams’ hopes of him playing in America.
Despite his poor first season in France,it’s understood PSG wants him to sign a one-year contract extension.
PSG wants Messi to stay because he brought in £600 million in revenue in his first year and helped the club negotiate ten sponsorship agreements.
According to the same source, Messi has not made a decision yet, with his concentration on the upcoming season and winning the World Cup with Argentina this winter in Qatar.
However, the revelation comes just a day after Laporta stated Messi could return to Barcelona before retiring.
‘I don’t think Messi’s Barcelona chapter is over,’ Laporta said.
“And I feel it is our job to ensure that that chapter remains open, that it has not been closed.”
‘To have a time to do it the right way, so that he might have a much more glorious finish than what he had.’
‘What if I feel I owe him one? Yes.\s’ Morally, I believe I did what needed to be done as President of Barcelona. But I believe I owe him one as Barcelona’s president and personally.’