Xavi: Plans to return Messi to Barcelona are still in the clouds

– Barcelona coach, Xavi, revealed that the prospect of bringing Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou is still in the air. According to him, Messi’s chances of returning to Barca depend on many things.

“(Return) Messi is still uncertain. It depends on many things,” said Xavi.

The 35-year-old legendary forward is expected to end his two-year stay at Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of next month.

“He is a spectacular footballer and he is someone I am friends with. We’ll see if that can happen or not. It also depends on the intention and desire that Leo has,” he continued.

Reports of Messi’s possible departure emerged shortly after the seven-time Ballon d’or winner was handed a two-week suspension without pay by PSG after traveling without permission to Saudi Arabia for commercial reasons.

Messi has recently been the target of jeers, whistles and protests from PSG supporters in response to his uncertain future at the club. The home game against Clermont on the final day of Ligue 1 on June 3 could be his last game for the French giants at the Parc des Princes.

The Argentinian’s potential return to La Liga champions Barcelona has been mooted for several months and club president Joan Laporta has revealed they will make every effort.

Between 2004 and 2021, Messi has scored 672 goals in 778 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona and won a total of 35 trophies including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Since then, Messi has contributed 31 goals and 35 assists in 73 games for PSG, including an assist in the 2-1 Ligue 1 win against Auxerre on Sunday.

Barcelona are not the only club touted as interested in signing Messi, as Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and MLS side Inter Miami are also hoping to persuade the 2022 World Cup winner to leave Paris.

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