Joan Laporta: 'Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta could return to Barcelona'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that both Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi could return to Camp Nou at some stage in the future.

Xavi was recently confirmed as the Catalan club's new head coach, and the Spaniard has brought experienced defender Dani Alves back to Camp Nou on a free transfer.

Iniesta, who is still playing with Vissel Kobe in Japan, recently said that he would be interested in a return, and Laporta has said that both the 37-year-old and Messi could head back to the club.

"I do not rule it out (Messi, Iniesta returning). It has happened with Dani. And I want to thank him because he has seen the situation of the club and wants to come to help," Laporta said at Alves's presentation on Wednesday.

"I also thank him for making an economic effort. We are going to reverse this situation, but now he has made this effort. It has to be appreciated.

"These are people who have made this club great. Messi and Iniesta are spectacular, I cannot predict the future, as they are still playing, but they have made the club great, we always keep them in mind, although now they have contracts with others clubs and you have to respect that, but in life you never know."

Messi was determined to sign a new contract with Barcelona over the summer, but the club's financial problems meant that he had to leave, with the Argentine heading to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.