Lionel Messi has 'been in contact' with Barcelona boss Xavi over emotional return

Xavi has revealed that he's in talks with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi over an incredible return to the Camp Nou in the summer - as the Argentine looks to leave PSG

Posted Tuesday, May 30, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Xavi has revealed he's in talks with Lionel Messi over a return to Barcelona this summer.

Messi, 35, left Barcelona in 2021 to join PSG but after a string of high profile falling outs with the Parisian hierarchy, he looks set to be on the move in the summer.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner sees his contract expire at the Parc des Princes in a matter of weeks and an extension in the French capital looks incredibly unlikely – leading to excitement that Messi could make a dream return to Barcelona.

"I told the president that Messi return makes sense," Xavi told Spanish outlet Sport.

"No doubts at all, he is perfect for our system and idea. I've the tactical plan in mind with Leo", told Sport.

"It's up to Leo. I think he has to decide, it's up to him… I'm speaking with Leo, yes."

Messi previously snubbed French football's end of season player awards ceremony in favour of attending a Coldplay concert in Barcelona, which saw fans in attendance turn their attention to the Argentine superstar and chant his name.

However, Messi was overlooked for Ligue 1's Player of the Year award as his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe swooped up award. Messi was, however, named in the Team of the Year.

Messi's popularity clearly hasn't wavered in Catalonia and a link up with former teammate Xavi would be a dream for Barcelona and football fans the world over.

Messi and Xavi were a part of one of the greatest sides that football has ever seen as the pair lifted the Champions League four times in nine years. They also won seven La Liga titles together.

Both Messi and Xavi added another league title to their vast CVs after PSG and Barcelona both won their respective leagues at a canter last season.

But a potential return to Camp Nou for Messi will only strengthen Barcelona's chances of retaining the title against a Real Madrid side who are sure to improve next season.