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Xavi sends teasing message to Lionel Messi about Barcelona return.
Barcelona manager Xavi has reiterated that Lionel Messi would be welcomed back at the club with open arms.
In August 2021, the 35-year-old left Barcelona on a free transfer as it became clear that they would not be able to extend Messi’s contract due to their dire financial situation.
The Catalan giants are currently looking for ways to reduce expenses, but they were still able to complete important transfer deals throughout the summer. Over €150 million was spent on players like Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha before salaries are factored in.
The free-agent additions of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin, and Marcos Alonso strengthened a Barcelona team that was eager to contend in La Liga and the Champions League.
Their campaign in the latter competition has already ended with a disastrous group stage elimination, but Barcelona remains committed to returning to their former glory – with a potential Messi reunion rumoured to be among their highest priorities.
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President Joan Laporta has publicly flirted with Messi returning to Barcelona, though Xavi has remained coy on the possibility of a deal being done. However, speaking at a promotional event in Qatar – where Xavi is in attendance for the World Cup – the Spaniard hinted that his former teammate would be welcomed back in a heartbeat.
“He is still number one. Cristiano Ronaldo is still among the 3-5 best on the planet as well,” Xavi said. “If Messi wants to, he can return to Barca 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.”
Next summer, when Messi’s PSG contract expires, Inter Miami is reportedly in talks with his representatives about a potential move to Major League Soccer.
Given his widespread commercial appeal, a number of American clubs are considering signing Messi, but Inter Miami, controlled by David Beckham, is confident they have the financial might to close a deal.