Barcelona headcoach Xavi Hernandez has reacted to claims linking Lionel Messi with a return to Barcelona ahead of Sunday's El Clasico. The 42-year-old coach has left the door open for the return of the his side's greatest-ever player, fueling reports that the 34-year-old superstar could be on his way out of Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Xavi's admission comes after La Liga president Javier Tebas recently alluded that he would love to see Lionel Messi return to the league. Last summer, the Argentina superstar shocked the world by leaving Barcelona after his side failed to meet the financial requirements of the Spanish top-flight league. His departure set in motion an exodus spearheaded by his former teammate who was appointed after the sack of Ronald Koeman.
In France, Messi has been unable to hit the ground running, scoring just seven goals in 26 appearances. Aside his struggles in the domestic league, the attacker recently came under immense scrutiny following PSG's elimination from the Champions League by Real Madrid. Multiple reports in recent weeks, have stated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is unhappy in the Ligue 1 and could leave at the end of the season with a return to Barcelona said to be on his mind.
Ahead of Sunday's El Clasiso, Xavi was quizzed on the subject of the potential return of Messi and the Barcelona boss was quick admit that he would love a renuion. Speaking to the press, he said: He is the best in history and he'll always be welcome at Barcelona.
"As long as I'm coach, it doesn't matter if he wants to come here every day. I think we owe him a huge amount.
"He has a contract with PSG and there is little we can say. Like whether he wants to come here every day to watch the training sessions and talk to the coach. What he has given us is priceless."
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