Robert Lewandowski begs Lionel Messi to make Barcelona return with Argentine hero in PSG stand-off

Barcelona hero Robert Lewandowski hopes that Lionel Messi will end his spell in Paris Saint-Germain's star-studded side - begging the Argentine to return to the Nou Camp.

Messi joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old, flying over from his home city of Rosario, Argentina after scouts rubbed their eyes in disbelief at the child prodigy before their eyes. He burst onto the scene in 2004 and never looked back, winning his first Ballon d'Or aged just 22. But after 778 games, 672 goals and 17 years in the first-team at the Nou Camp, Barcelona's financial picture looked bleak - signalling the end for the Argentine.

Unable to register Messi as a result of La Liga 's financial wage cap regulations, the diminutive attacking wizard waved his goodbyes in a tearful press conference, where he made a sensational move to Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer. However, despite two years at the Parc des Princes, things haven't quite gone to plan for Messi - dumped out of the Champions League last 16 twice, Messi is on course to finish the season without a continental trophy for the eighth-year running.

And Lewandowski, who has been a revelation since signing for Barcelona at the start of the campaign, had urged Messi to return to the Nou Camp - insisting that the player many believe to be the greatest ever will 'always be part of Barca'. I've already answered it. But for me, Messi will always be part of Barca," Lewandowski told Mundo Deportivo.

"If he comes back, not only for the fans, but also for the players, it would be impressive. His place is here, in Barcelona. I don't know what's going to happen, I'm not the person to ask, but I hope we can play together next season. We need this type of player, for sure."

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