Xavi: 'Doors are open for Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona'

According to Barcelona head coach Xavi, the doors are open for Lionel Messi to rejoin the Catalan giants this summer.

The 35-year- old's contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of June, Thus, much conjecture surrounds about his future with the French champions at the moment.

Some reports indicated that talks with PSG about an extension had been successful. The French champions are hopeful that they would be able to sign him to a new 12-month contract.

However, a recent source indicated that Messi is currently preparing to leave the French capital on a free transfer. The forward has been connected to MLS, and several Saudi Arabian clubs are rumoured to be closely monitoring the situation.

Thus, the contract situation could also result in an emotional homecoming to Barcelona. The Catalan team's head coach Xavi was questioned about his former comrade prior to Thursday's Europa League clash.

"For Messi, this is his home, he has the doors open. He is a friend and we are in permanent contact."

Xavi told reporters.

Moreover, Xavi was also asked if Messi does have a spot in the current team at Camp Nou, he said:

"Of course, he's the best player in the world. The best player in history. He would always fit in the team."

Due to Barcelona's financial issues, Messi was forced to leave Camp Nou in the summer of 2021.

The Argentine signed a two-year contract with PSG, and during that time, he has played 61 times for the team across all competitions, recording 27 goals and 29 assists.

In 27 games for the Paris giants this season, the forward has 16 goals and 14 assists.

At the end of the previous season, Barcelona president Joan Laporta acknowledged that re-signing Messi would be "extremely difficult" for the team.

"On the subject of Messi, we can't generate expectations. Messi is a PSG player and has a contract with them. He has won the World Cup and the Cules have been very happy,"

Laporta told BarcaTV.

"What I don't want to do is generate expectations that at the moment are very difficult."

In 777 games with Barcelona in all competitions, Messi amassed 672 goals and 302 assists, winning 10 La Liga championships, seven Copa del Rey cups, and four Champions League crowns.

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