Lionel Messi future: Xavi opens up on chances of Argentine returning to Barcelona – ‘Leo knows this is his home’
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Updated 31/03/2023 at 15:21 GMT
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has admitted the club will "be delighted” if Lionel Messi asked to return to the La Liga side. Messi’s future is uncertain as the 35-year-old’s contract at Paris-Saint Germain expires at the end of June. He first joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old to play for their academy, before leaving in 2021 for PSG in an emotional exit.
'Contact' made over Messi returning to Barcelona says Barca VP
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has admitted the club “will listen and be delighted” if Lionel Messi asked to return to the La Liga side.
Messi left Barcelona for Paris-Saint Germain in 2021 on a two-year deal, so his contract expires this summer.
His future appears to be unclear, with reports prior to the World Cup suggesting the Argentine was considering a new contract, before a change of mind following his triumph in Qatar.
"It will depend on many factors," said Xavi.
"We must see what the Financial Fair Play rules allow us to do.
"There are many things at stake but I think the most important factor will be Leo’s desire to come back here. Leo knows this is his home and that our doors are open, and that we will be delighted if he decides to come back to Barca. But it depends on many factors.”
Pushed further on where Messi’s future lies, Xavi added:
"You guys (the media) are masters at changing the subject," said Xavi.
"Let’s focus on the important things. The important thing is that tomorrow we can put ourselves 15 points above Real Madrid, that’s important, and that next Wednesday we can advance to the final of the Copa del Rey.
"I don’t understand why we don't talk about this but instead talk about next year’s possible new players. Everything is at stake this season.
"Sometimes I don’t understand you guys. The whole season we're being told that we weren’t going to win titles, receiving criticism from you all the time. And right now, we are one step away from winning titles. One step away.”
Barcelona won the Supercopa de Espana earlier this season, which was there first trophy since Messi left.
They have a 12-point lead in the league with 12 games to go and take a 1-0 advantage into their second leg against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Vice-president Rafa Yuste confirmed Barcelona are in talks with Messi, who scored his 800th career goal last week.
"I have always had the thorn in me that Leo (Messi) could not continue at Barca. Of course I would love him to come back," said Yuste.
“We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp. Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I’d love for him to come back.
“For sure Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here.”
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