Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has addressed the possible return of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi to the Catalan club.
“It’s up in the air,” Xavi said about Messi possibly signing with Barcelona this summer, as shared by Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN. “It depends on many things. There is not much more I can say. Leo is a spectacular footballer. He is a friend. From there, it depends on many things, but above all on his intentions and what he wants.”
It’s widely believed Messi and Paris Saint-Germain will part ways once his contract expires after this season. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner who turns 36 years old in June reportedly could earn roughly $400M annually if he follows in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and heads to the Saudi Pro League this summer, but it’s also known that Major League Soccer and Inter Miami have courted Messi for years.
Last week, Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed confidence that the club will be able to re-sign Messi despite the financial issues that caused the living legend to originally leave in 2021 and that still hover over Barca today. Messi reportedly would have to accept a massive reduction in wages compared to what he could make in Saudi Arabia to spend the 2023-24 season with Barcelona ahead of next year’s Copa America.
“I want him to come back, that’s the truth,” Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste said about Messi following the club’s 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad on Saturday. “After everything he gave this club, coming through the academy, starting his career here… it’s a beautiful story and beautiful stories have to have happy endings. If everything goes well — and even though he has to make the final decision — I hope he returns. We would all be really happy.”
Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and agent, has insisted his son will not announce any decision about his future before he finishes the ongoing campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
