'We will see' - Xavi open to Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona but admits a deal is currently 'impossible'

Xavi has indicated that he would be open to the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona, though admitted that a deal is currently «impossible». Messi ended a 21-year association with the club last summer, departing on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after financial difficulties left Barcelona unable to renew his contract. Ad/> The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner endured an injury-disrupted first campaign in the French capital, scoring just eleven times in all competitions; his worst return since the 2005-06 season.

TransfersChelsea consider Kimpembe switch as Barcelona prepare Kounde offer — Paper RoundYESTERDAY AT 05:39 Joan Laporta, president of the Catalan club, suggested recently that he was keen for Messi to return to Barcelona for a «more beautiful ending» to his career. And while seemingly dismissing any immediate prospect of the Argentina captain returning to the club, Xavi did not rule out a potential reunion with his former team-mate. /> “At the moment, signing Leo Messi is impossible," Xavi, who was appointed Barcelona manager last November, said.

«He has a contract with Paris [Saint-Germain]. “We will see in the future. It’s not the time to talk about him.” Messi signed a two-year deal when joining PSG last summer, with the possibility of a further year's extension.

Laporta nonetheless fuelled speculation that the 35-year-old's Barcelona career had not reached a full stop when he suggested it was his „responsibility“ to make amends for a shock, unplanned departure from the club. »Messi was everything," Laporta said to ESPN. «To Barca, he's been possibly its greatest player, the most efficient.

To me he's only comparable to Johan Cruyff. But it had to happen one day. We had to make a decision