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Barcelona boss Xavi talks up Lionel Messi return

Barcelona boss Xavi talks up Lionel Messi return
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi opens the door to a Lionel Messi return after revealing that he would like to coach his former teammate at the Catalan club.

Xavi has admitted his desire to coach Lionel Messi at Barcelona amid speculation about the Argentine's future.

Messi's contract with PSG is due to expire at the end of the season, and although he will allegedly not make a decision on his future until after the World Cup, a return to Barcelona has been touted as a possible option.

Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted that Messi is still the best player in the world and that he would like to coach his former teammate, as well as Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

As quoted by Goal, he said: "He is still number one. Cristiano Ronaldo is still among the 3-5 best on the planet as well.

"If Messi wants to, he can return to Barça at some point, sure. Who wouldn't like to train him? Any of the greats. In France, Mbappe for example. Neymar, Messi, I would like them a lot."

After recent reports suggested that the 35-year-old was closing in on a move to Inter Miami, Messi's representative Marcelo Mendez has hit back, claiming that a deal has not been agreed to join the MLS franchise.

While Barcelona are believed to be in contention to re-sign their former player, PSG are likely to offer Messi a new deal to remain at the club.

Despite missing a penalty, the forward helped his side reach the last 16 of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Poland on Wednesday.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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