Xavi opens up about Messi’s return to Barcelona
Barcelona head coach Javi Hernandez has confirmed that the doors of the Catalan club are open for Argentinean Lionel Messi, who can return anytime he wants.
Messi’s contract with his current team, Paris Saint-Germain, will expire at the end of the current 2022-2023 season, after joining him in the summer of 2021 from Barcelona, noting that the Argentine star’s contract with the Paris side includes a clause on extending their association for an additional season if both parties agree.
During a press conference ahead of the Barcelona-Manchester United match scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, in the second leg of the Europa League play-off round 32, Xavi was asked about the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona.
The Spanish coach replied: “I have already said that Barcelona is his home and the door is open for him and it is definitely his home without a doubt and he will welcome the best player in history.”
On the match in Manchester, Xavi commented: “The match in Manchester is very difficult, they are one of the best teams in Europe and they are doing well with their coach Eric Ten Hag and we have to show our personality, our playing style and the competitive mentality in Europe.”
Regarding the absence of Pedri and Gavi in tomorrow’s match, Xavi said: “I would also like to note the absence of Dembele, and of course the absence of Pedri and Gavi is impressive, but we have good alternatives.”
Source: agencies