MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 13:27:05| >> :120:10957:10957:

Xavi confirms talks over Lionel Messi return to Barcelona

Xavi confirms talks over Lionel Messi return to Barcelona
© Reuters
Barcelona head coach Xavi confirms that he is in talks with Lionel Messi over a possible return to Camp Nou this summer.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that he is in talks with Lionel Messi over a possible return to Camp Nou this summer.

The 35-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the legendary forward expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires next month.

Messi's relationship with the Ligue 1 champions is understood to have broken down and both parties are now prepared to go their separate ways this summer.

The 2022 World Cup winner was briefly suspended without pay by PSG earlier this month for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for commercial reasons, before the forward's punishment was reduced following a public apology.

Messi and teammate Neymar, who has also been linked with a possible exit, have both been on the receiving end of boos, whistles and protests from PSG supporters due to the uncertainty over their futures at the Parc des Princes.

Lionel Messi in action for Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, 2022© Reuters

Messi has spent the last two seasons at PSG, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 74 games, since being forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 upon the expiration of his contract amid the club's financial problems.

The Catalan club's well-documented financial issues still remain, but president Joan Laporta has insisted that they 'will do everything they can' to re-sign Messi this summer.

Xavi, meanwhile, stated last week that the prospect of luring the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Camp Nou remains "up in the air" and "depends on many things".

However, the 43-year-old has since revealed that a return for Messi to Catalonia "makes sense" and talks between himself and the Argentine have taken place.

Speaking to Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT, Xavi said: "I told the president that Messi return makes sense. No doubts at all, he is perfect for our system and idea.

"I've the tactical plan in mind with Leo. It's up to Leo. I think he has to decide, it's up to him... I'm speaking with Leo, yes."

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring against Getafe in La Liga on April 22, 2021© Reuters

Xavi added: "I'm in no doubt that if Messi were to return, he would help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football. He continues to be a determined footballer, he has the hunger still.

"He's still a winner, he's a leader and he's different. At Barcelona, we've not have the same level since what we reached as a pinnacle in 2010."

Messi, who recently became the joint-most decorated football of all time, won a total of 35 trophies with Barcelona between 2004 and 2021, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The forward contributed with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan giants, who were crowned La Liga champions under Xavi for the first time this season.

Barcelona are not the only team believed to be in the race for Messi's signature, as Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal and MLS club Inter Miami have also been credited with an interest in the Argentine.

ID:515040:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4989:

Lionel Messi future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Lionel Messi

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023
Read Next:
Barcelona boss Xavi provides update on Lionel Messi pursuit
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
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


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!