Barcelona boss Xavi has revealed that he remains in constant contact with former teammate Lionel Messi as speculation swirls around his future, but admits that ‘a potential return will only depend on him’.
The Argentine star is in the final six months of his contract at Paris Saint Germain, who he joined in 2021 after controversially being let go by Barcelona amid their financial woes.
And though speculation remains that a new deal at the Parc des Princes is the most likely outcome for the 35-year-old, a fairytale return to Camp Nou remains something pined for by many, and while it is still an option it will be demanded by the Blaugrana faithful.
Lionel Messi makes it 4-3 to PSG in the 95th min with this free-kick.
The guy isn’t real. pic.twitter.com/Bsq5dOyI87
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) February 19, 2023
Asked about a potential free agent move for Messi, who Xavi won the Champions League with and several La Liga titles with as a player, the now Barcelona boss revealed that he would be more than open to the prospect.
“Messi knows that Barcelona is his home and the doors are open, I said this many times”, the Spaniard explained.
“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”.
However, he has unfinished business in Catalonia, despite having made nearly 800 appearances for the Blaugrana, and should the opportunity arise for the Argentine star to return to Camp Nou he may well find it too hard to turn down.
