Xavi Hernandez has revealed he is ‘constant contact’ with Lionel Messi as the Barcelona boss insisted the ‘doors are always open’ for the ‘best footballer in history’ to return to the Nou Camp.
The Spaniard, 43, played nearly 400 matches with Messi, but the Argentine now competes for PSG after a high-profile move to the Ligue 1 side in 2021.
The World Cup winner’s current deal at the Parc des Princes expires in the summer – and there is yet to be progress over extension talks.
In a press conference, Xavi said: ‘I’ve already said that this is his home and the doors are open to him, he’s a friend, we’re in constant contact.
‘It will depend on him, on what he wants to do in his future. This is his home, there is no doubt. The best footballer in history would always fit in.’
Xavi Hernandez has revealed he is ‘constant contact’ with Lionel Messi and insisted the ‘doors are always open’ for him to return to the Nou Camp
The Spaniard, 43, played nearly 400 matches with Messi, but the Argentine now competes for PSG after a high-profile move to the Ligue 1 side in 2021
Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 after financial constraints meant they were no longer able to pay the forward’s extortionate wages.
According to MARCA, the 35-year-old was expected to sign a new deal with PSG but he’s since U-turned on that stance and is considering his future in France.
It’s understood that Argentina’s recent World Cup success has sparked a ‘change of mentality’ in the forward – who now values ‘other things for the immediate future’.
The outlet claim that winning the World Cup was the aspiration for Messi in recent years and, now that’s completed, he is less concerned with winning domestic titles.
Messi holds Barcelona’s records for most appearances and most goals, scoring 672 times across 778 appearances in a Barca shirt.
He also won ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues at Barcelona and has claimed dozens of individual accolades in his hugely successful career, including winning the Ballon d’Or seven times.
Barcelona will face Manchester United in the second leg of their Europa League knockout round tie at Old Trafford.
Xavi and Messi celebrate with the Champions League trophy after beating Juventus in the final at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, in 2015
After fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw with the Premier League side in a pulsating game at the Camp Nou, Xavi believes his team will need to be at their best on Thursday to advance to the last 16.
The LaLiga leaders’ coach said: ‘It will be a very difficult game, Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe today and they’re showing it every game.
‘(Manager Erik) Ten Hag is doing a great job. They are a team that show intensity, mentality, passion, rhythm… we will need to match them in every level, to show personality and be loyal to our style.
‘Above all, we need the bring the mentality to compete in Europe. We can say that Manchester United have returned and they are playing their best football in many years. It is a good opportunity to show that Barca can also compete.’
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
