Lionel Messi Has Told Barcelona Xavi Hernandez Not To Sign Paris Saint-Germain Teammate

Simons came through Barcelona's academy and looked set to follow in the footsteps of his namesake and make the grade in the club's first-team.

However, the midfield prospect didn't make an appearance for the Blaugrana and ended up signing for PSG in July 2019.

He has been linked with a return to the Catalan club and agent Mino Raiola has told Barca he would be keen on a second stint.

Barca regularly bring players back to the club, with Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas and Adama Traore just a few examples.

However, Messi, during a recent dinner with former teammate Xavi for the Spaniard's birthday, is said to have told him that Simons has not progressed enough in the French capital.

He made his Ligue One debut in April 2021 and has gone on to make a further six appearances for the Parisians.

In his most recent outing, Simons missed the crucial spot-kick in the Coupe de France round of 16 penalty shoot-out defeat to Nice at the Parc des Princes on Monday.

Goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is on loan from PSG, guessed right and made the save to send Nice through to the quarter finals.

Reacting to the miss on Instagram, Simons wrote: "Fall, get up and, above all, learn. Thanks to everyone for the messages. We keep going!"

Simons' contract expires on June 30 and although they had been keen on getting him to put pen to paper on a new deal, PSG would be willing to get rid due to his demands in terms of game-time and salary.