Barcelona Boss Xavi Explains Why Lionel Messi Should Return

Barcelona coach Xavi gestures prior to kickoff during the international friendly football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite leaving FC Barcelona nearly a year ago, Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi continues to be a topic of conversation with the Spanish club, who appear to want the 35-year-old back at the Camp Nou.

Ahead of a friendly against MLS side New York Red Bulls, manager Xavier Hernández echoed what club president Joan Laporta has stated recently about bringing back the Argentine as soon as next summer after his contract 

“I said back then that it’s utopian to focus on Leo,” Xavi said with the French publication RMC Sport relaying his remarks. “I hope Messi’s time at Barca isn’t over. [Messi] deserves a second chance, a last chance, but it’s next year. He has a contract.”

Messi reportedly doesn’t plan to decide on his future until after the FIFA World Cup. Instead, he wants to remain focused on the task ahead with the Argentina national team, considering it’s likely his last tournament. 

The veteran forward will have lots of interest from his former club. However, there’s always the lure of an MLS club coming in with an offer, most likely Inter Miami, to head to North America and play out the rest of his career in the United States. 

PSG is rumored to want to extend Messi, so he will have options on where he wants to continue the latter stages of his playing career. 

Tags Barcelona Lionel Messi Xavi Hernandez
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