Pique opines on Lionel Messi’s future amid Barcelona links: “Would be incredible”

Gerard Pique sat down with RAC1 for an interview, where he offered his thoughts on the future of Lionel Messi, among other things.

The retired Barcelona defender believes Messi will decide his future according to “what he wants”, though admitting that his return to Barcelona would be “incredible”.

“Only he knows his future. I think winning the World Cup was his personal dream. It was the title he needed to be considered the best in history. Now everyone is convinced of that. Now, everything he decides is to look for where he can be happy. The most normal thing is for him to stay in Europe,” Pique told RAC1 (h/t SPORT).

Pique’s comments come in the midst of ongoing reports suggesting Barcelona are pushing for the signing of the Argentine international.

The Spaniard talked about the possibility of Messi returning to Catalonia, adding that it could be a real morale boost for the fans and the players alike.

“Barça could be there. For the culés, his return on a sentimental level would be incredible. But it’s his decision. Here, no matter what people say, only his feelings, his motivations are important,” he said.

It is no secret that Messi and Pique did not have the best of relationships, especially towards the end of Messi’s spell at Barcelona. The two were reportedly not even on talking terms. Messi also notably did not meet Pique during his return to Barcelona earlier in the year.

However, Pique maintains that Messi’s return could be a major boost for Barcelona. But in the midst of ongoing economic woes, coupled with the Negreira scandal, it is unlikely that Barça will be able to fund a move for the Argentine international in the coming summer.

This could see Messi either prolonging his stay at PSG or move elsewhere, with Inter Miami among the clubs interested in his services.