According to Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, he has expressed his desire to have Lionel Messi back at the club for the upcoming season. Xavi revealed that he maintains regular communication with his former teammate regarding a potential return to Barcelona. Messi, who left Barcelona two years ago after the expiration of his contract, will become a free agent this summer following the conclusion of his deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
When questioned about the possibility of Messi's return, Xavi stated, "From the football perspective, I have no doubts that his comeback would be beneficial for us. I have conveyed this to the president without any hesitation. Messi continues to be a game-changer; he remains driven, hungry, and a leader."
Xavi acknowledged that the current team does not possess the same level of talent as the 2010 era, emphasizing that Messi's presence would bring a significant boost. He highlighted Messi's ability to provide decisive passes, take free kicks, and score goals, making him a distinctive player in the attacking third. Xavi added, "Considering my desired style of play, there is no doubt that he would contribute immensely. However, the final decision lies with him."
Xavi mentioned that despite his ongoing conversations with Messi, he is uncertain about his former teammate's current thoughts regarding his future. Messi, with whom Xavi enjoyed a successful period at Barcelona, has been linked with a departure from Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in June. Alongside Barcelona, there have also been interests from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer.
Xavi expressed the challenges of understanding the mindset of a player who has achieved great success, stating, "It's difficult to imagine what doubts he might have about returning this summer. Perhaps he has concerns due to it being a different project now, or because important players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, with whom he had a good relationship, are leaving. I don't know, I cannot predict his thoughts."
With regard to his discussions with Messi, Xavi emphasized that he has been clear in conveying his message. He stated that the door is open for Messi at Barcelona, and his potential return would align with the same football philosophy and style of play. Xavi highlighted the versatility of Messi, explaining that he could contribute in various positions such as a false nine, a winger, a midfielder, or even as a playmaker from a deeper midfield role.
Xavi mentioned that Messi has displayed an evolution in his playing style, almost transitioning into a midfielder. Although he may have lost some of his youthful explosiveness, Xavi emphasized that Messi's exceptional performance at the World Cup showcased his ongoing brilliance. Xavi believes that Messi still has several more years ahead of him performing at the highest level.
In addition to Messi's agreement to return, Barcelona also faces financial challenges in re-signing a player they could not afford to retain when he left in 2021. To comply with LaLiga's financial fair play regulations while registering new contracts for current first-team players and making signings for the upcoming season, the club must generate savings exceeding €150 million.
Barcelona has already initiated cost-cutting measures by offloading high-earning players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. They will also seek to secure transfer fees for squad members who have not been regular contributors this season in order to address their financial requirements.
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