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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
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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