Xavi says the “the door is always open” for Messi’s return to Barcelona

The speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential return to Barcelona is starting to brew faster than ever.

It is apparent that the Argentine is not exactly happy with his life in Paris. He has struggled to offer his usual brilliance in Ligue 1, netting just two goals in 18 league appearances. He was even subjected to jeers during PSG’s recent win over Bordeaux.

It had led to reports suggesting Messi’s desire to return to Barca, with his father Jorge Messi calling the club, and discussing the possibility of a potential return to Camp Nou.

Speaking to the media ahead of the upcoming El Clasico (via Barca TV+), Xavi has reacted to these rumours, stating the door is always open for Messi to return to Barcelona.

“I think Messi is the best player in history, and at this club. The door to his return is always open, but now he has a contract with PSG,” he said.

Xavi and Messi were teammates at Barca for over a decade, with the duo winning four UEFA Champions League, and seven La Liga titles together.

“As long as I am the coach, the door is always open for Messi, even if he comes every day to watch training or just to talk to me. What he gave us is invaluable. He is the best player in history, but he has a contract with Paris,” Xavi added.

It appears the Barcelona manager is well aware of the financial implications of trying to lure Messi away from his current PSG contract which doesn’t expire until 2023.

The Parisian juggernaut even have an option to extend the contract to one more year, which may effectively rule Barca out of the chase.

However, it is hard to rule out anything in football and given the way how various sponsors are flocking towards Barcelona, seeking lucrative partnership deals, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the club in the summer, especially from a financial perspective.