Xavi says Messi’s return to FC Barcelona impossible for now

Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts after his shoot during PSG’s Japan Tour football match against Gamba Osaka at Suita stadium in Osaka on July 25, 2022. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)

Xavi acknowledged on Tuesday that Lionel Messi’s return to FC Barcelona is “impossible” at present but refused to rule out a reunion in future.

The former Barca midfielder however rejected comparisons between himself and two legendary Blaugrana coaches.

Messi’s 21-year association with FC Barcelona came to an end last August when he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer amid the Catalan club’s financial woes.

However, his six league goals during his debut campaign in Paris represented his worst such tally since he netted the same amount in LaLiga as an 18-year-old in 2005/2006.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has just one year remaining on his contract in the French capital — through an option exists for a further 12 months with PSG.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta did say on Sunday he did not believe the Argentine’s Barca story was over.

Messi’s former teammate and current FC Barcelona coach Xavi, however, told a news conference such a move was unfeasible, at least for now.

“He has a contract and it’s impossible right now,” Xavi said, looking ahead to Barca’s friendly with Juventus in Dallas on Tuesday.

“Messi is the best footballer in the world and in history. President Laporta already said that Messi’s story with Barca is not over, but now is not the time to talk about it.”

On a personal level, Xavi has enjoyed success since returning to FC Barcelona as head coach last November.

He led the side to a second-placed league finish after they had languished in ninth under predecessor Ronald Koeman.

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