Barcelona have acknowledged they’re involved with Lionel Messi about bringing him again to the membership when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in June.
Vice chairman Rafa Yuste confirmed Friday that the membership are trying into the potential for re-signing Messi, who left for PSG in 2021, with coach Xavi Hernandez later including he hopes to see the Argentine again at Spotify Camp Nou.
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“I’m nonetheless gutted he could not proceed right here,” Yuste mentioned at a information convention. “In fact I would really like him to come back again, due to what he represents on a sporting, social and financial degree.
“We’re involved with [Messi’s camp], sure. Lovely tales ought to have completely satisfied endings, and there’s a mutual love between the 2 events.”
Messi, 35, left two years in the past after 20 years in Catalonia as a result of Barca couldn’t afford to resume his contract. The monetary facet of any return this summer season stays an impediment.
Barca must knock greater than €150 million off their annual spending — or elevate cash by means of transfers — to adjust to LaLiga‘s financial rules and have the ability to signal gamers and register contract renewals.
“We nonetheless have two months to work exhausting to current our income and sustainability plan to [LaLiga president Javier] Tebas,” Yuste added when requested whether or not bringing Messi again was actually potential.
“I do not like to discuss Leo as a result of he’s a PSG participant, but when all of the situations are met, we’re open to the likelihood. [Barca] president [Joan Laporta] has been with Leo’s father, and there’s a good relationship.
“In fact, there isn’t any plan to go on the assault as a result of we do not need PSG to see it like that. If it occurs, will probably be as a result of future takes you again to the place you need to go. If all of the situations come collectively and Leo comes again to Barcelona, it could be the proper ending to a really completely satisfied story.”
Barca coach Xavi, who performed alongside Messi, mentioned it relies upon extra on what the Argentina ahead needs to do subsequent than cash, with a renewal at PSG and a transfer to Main League Soccer different prospects.
“There’s the truthful play challenge, however greater than something it is dependent upon Leo’s intentions and [if he wants] to come back again,” he mentioned in a information convention forward of Saturday’s journey to Elche.
“Plenty of situations must fall into place for it to occur. He is received the whole lot within the recreation, and it’ll rely upon his happiness. If he needs to come back again, if that is his intention, we are going to discuss it.
“We’re mates, we converse typically, however it’s not the second to speak about this, for the nice of Leo, the membership or the squad. It is a problem we’re dealing [with], however from that to [him returning] is a giant leap.
“I hope we see him come residence. I am the primary one who would like to see one of the best participant ever return. And it’s regular that followers are excited a few ‘Final Dance’ like [happened with] Michael Jordan.”
Elsewhere, Xavi performed down the significance of feedback made by Ansu Fati‘s father, Bori, this week, suggesting the participant ought to search for a brand new membership in the hunt for extra minutes.
Xavi mentioned that he understood Bori’s frustration however that he was involved solely about Ansu, who, he added, is “targeted, coaching effectively and relaxed.”
He additionally touched on the controversy that has surfaced round Gavi whereas on Spain responsibility. Reviews claimed the midfielder’s perspective had prompted issues on and off the pitch.
“I suppose the issue is he is a Barca participant; if he was enjoying for one more crew, I assume [his attitude] could be a advantage,” he mentioned.
“He is among the finest midfielders on the earth proper now, little question. If he performed in one other crew, he could be handled in a different way.
“I do not perceive how there could be a marketing campaign towards a child aged 18 who has come by means of like he has and performs like he does. It surprises me. It would not matter the place he performs, he must be admired. I supposed it’s right down to the rivalry.”
Barca return to LaLiga motion towards Elche this weekend with a 12-point lead on the prime of the desk, though they’re lacking Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen by means of harm and Raphinha by means of suspension.