Lengthy discussions with PSG and a secret meeting, it was enough to relaunch the rumor mill on a possible return of Lionel Messi to Barça. Present in Barcelona in a private setting, Jorge Messi met Joan Laporta last week. The world champion’s father and the Blaugrana president discussed above all the organization of an event in tribute to the Pulga.
But after weeks of the Cold War which culminated in an unexpected departure in the summer of 2021, this rapprochement gives rise to hope for a comeback. Invited to react to this news on Wednesday, during the pre-match press conference between FC Barcelona and Manchester United (Europa League return play-offs), Xavi reached out to his former teammate: “I’ve said it before, Barça is his home and the doors are always open to him. »
“It will depend a lot on him”
Xavi on possible reunion with Lionel Messi at Barcelona
Friends and still in touch, could Xavi and Messi really see their paths cross again? “It will depend a lot on him, on what he wants to do in the future”assured the Catalan coach, far from trying to dampen hopes.
In a much better economic situation than last season but still subject to extremely strict salary regulations in La Liga, FC Barcelona have not yet offered Messi any new contract. It will take more than just a meeting and a few statements to bring the former number 10 and his heart club together again, but hope is alive.