Barcelona boss Xavi ‘worried about Lionel Messi return’ because of Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona boss Xavi played with Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp before he hung up his boots to become a manager.
Posted Sunday, October 30, 2022 by Express.co.uk
Barcelona boss Xavi is sceptical about how he’d fit Lionel Messi into his side in the event of any possible return, according to reports. The Argentina international left the Nou Camp for PSG back in the summer transfer window of 2021. However, despite the veteran being happy in Ligue 1, that hasn’t stopped speculation from rumbling on over a potential Hollywood homecoming…
Messi was forced to leave Barcelona against his will last summer, with the La Liga giants unable to afford his huge salary at the time.
And though he’s since gone on to become a hit at PSG, talk of him potentially returning to the Nou Camp at the end of the campaign is refusing to go away.
Messi’s contract will expire this summer and, though PSG are keen to tie him down to a new deal at the Parc des Princes, there’s no guarantee he’ll extend his stay.
But while Barcelona are daring to dream of bringing the 35-year-old home come the end of the season, the Daily Mail claim Xavi is sceptical over such a move.
It’s said he’s worried about how to fit both Messi and Robert Lewandowski into the same team, which represents an obstacle when it comes to a deal getting done.
Barcelona could bring Lionel Messi back to the Nou Camp when PSG contract ends
Barcelona signed Lewandowski as a replacement for Messi back in the summer and the Poland international has since gone on to shine with 17 goals for the club already.
Barcelona are well-stocked for forwards, with Lewandowski, Memphis Depay, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha all key players for Xavi.
So it’s hard to see Messi getting into Xavi’s starting XI, especially due to the plethora of options they already possess.
Lewandowski was signed to be the main man and, so far, the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Messi was virtually guaranteed to play every game for Barcelona during his time at the club as he evolved from a teenager to one of the best players in the world.
Under Xavi, however, it seems like he wouldn’t get the same privilege as before.
The Barcelona boss was recently asked about Messi potentially coming back, but kept his cards close to his chest while hailing his relationship with the PSG attacker.
"With Leo, let's see, but it's not the moment to talk about it right now," he stated.
"You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best. Barca is his home, but we're not doing him any favours speaking about [his future], either.
"Let's leave him in peace to enjoy his time in Paris and wish him all the best."
Barcelona chief Joan Laporta, meanwhile, said in July that he feels ‘indebted’ to Messi - and would love to see him end his career at the club where he enjoyed his best form.
"I feel indebted to Leo Messi," he said.
"I would like him to end his career in a Barca shirt, and be applauded at all the stadiums.
"I feel partially responsible for how things ended, and I feel that this is a temporary end and that we will make this dream a reality. At least that is the dream."
Messi has been in fine form for PSG this season, scoring six goals and clocking up nine assists from 11 Ligue 1 matches.
He’s also netted four times in the Champions League, too, as his side look to end their agonising wait for the trophy they crave the most.
Messi is expected to feature when PSG lock horns with Troyes on Saturday (4pm).
They’re unbeaten in the league so far this term, with the signing champions winning 10 of their first 12 games - and drawing just two.
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