FC Barcelona coach Xavi on a Lionel Messi return: “I’m speaking with Leo, yes”

By
Roy Nemer
-
10

FC Barcelona coach Xavi spoke about a possible return for Lionel Messi to the club stating that he is speaking with him.

Lionel Messi recently won Ligue 1 with PSG and was included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season but he will not be renewing with PSG. Messi has been linked with a move back to Barcelona and with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona coach Xavi spoke to SPORT about Messi possibly returning. Here is what he had to say:

“No doubt Messi can still help us. He can play in several positions. A false 9, wing, inside… He’s almost become a midfielder. Maybe he’s lost a little explosiveness but we saw his World Cup. He still has years ahead of him.

“Messi’s return makes sense to me, no doubt. I’ve told president Laporta about it. Leo is still a decisive player. He’s still hungry, he’s a winner, a leader. Also just very different. The way I want the team to play, no doubt he’ll bring us a lot.

“I have the tactical plan in mind with Leo. It’s up to Leo. I think he has to decide, it’s up to him… I’m speaking with Leo, yes.”

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10 Comments

  2. I am looking through the lense of what’s best for the national team. It seems to me that Leo would very much like to return to Barcelona and his family would be happy there too. Therefore he would also be in a better mental state when he plays for us.

    PSG is a club with no pedigree and ungrateful fans. Personally, in my opinion Barcelona is a far more interesting city to live in than Paris.

    • Messi’s mental state is so crucial. Remember De Paul, Papu aka Beckham, Messi, Kun interview..in the middle of the WC and they’re just having fun enjoying each other. Stark difference to previous tournaments. I also think Xavi will create an environment where Messi thrives, play him in his best role and plenty of defensive coverage.

  3. If Messi is to play In Barcelona – he needs to play like Di Maria – more of an impact player rather than play entire 90 mins..

    • They can’t afford Neymar. He still has a contract with PSG till 2025. Messi is a free transfer and also with the injury record Neymar is a liability !

      • According to page, this was Neymar’s last year. I don’t know anything about him and Barcelona, but I doubt he will be returning to Paris. I also agree, Paris isn’t where any of our guys should be

    • Barca are champions now. Why go back?
      Messi and Neymar do not defend much.
      With both of them, midfield will be outplayed by many teams.
      Messi back? Could be fun, but will not live up to previous years.
      Neymar back? No, thank you.

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