Barcelona manager Xavi has made a plea to the club’s hierarchy, urging them to bring Lionel Messi back to the Nou Camp this summer. However, Xavi emphasizes that the final decision ultimately rests with the Argentina forward himself.

Earlier this month, Sky Sports News revealed that Messi is poised to leave his current club, Paris Saint-Germain, at the end of his contract. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has openly admitted that the club is exploring the possibility of reuniting with their former star player. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Having scored a remarkable 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona from 2003 to 2021, Messi spent the past two seasons at PSG after leaving Barcelona as a free agent due to contract renewal complications.

When asked about the potential impact of Messi’s return on the current Barcelona team, who clinched the LaLiga title this season, Xavi expressed his confidence in Messi’s ability to contribute to the team’s objectives. He stated in an interview with the Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT, “I have no doubt that if Messi were to return, he would greatly contribute to our football aspirations.”

Xavi further conveyed his belief in Messi’s unwavering determination, hunger for success, leadership qualities, and unique skill set. He acknowledged that Barcelona has not been able to reach the same level of excellence as they did in their peak years, particularly in 2010.

Highlighting Messi’s exceptional talent and ability to unlock defenses, Xavi emphasized the Argentine’s capacity to make a difference in the final third. He stated, “There’s no doubt that he would still help us a lot – but in the end, it all depends on him.”

The Barcelona manager expressed his intent to hold discussions with Messi and his representatives. Xavi acknowledged that Messi holds the upper hand in deciding his future, stating, “Yes, it’s true that we have already won in the post-Messi era, and that is extraordinary. But the fear we had was when Leo leaves, what are we going to do? Well, Barca has survived, and I think we have successfully rebuilt the team and the group.”

Xavi highlighted the club’s recent achievements, including winning the league title and the Super Cup, as evidence of their resilience and the team’s ability to perform without the presence of the best player in football history. However, he reiterated that the doors are wide open for Messi’s return, expressing confidence that it can happen and that he would greatly contribute to the team’s success.

Meanwhile, discussions regarding a contract renewal between Messi’s representatives and PSG were initially positive during the World Cup in Qatar. However, circumstances changed, leading to Messi’s departure from Paris. While PSG considers their move to sign Messi as a free agent in 2021 a success both on and off the pitch, some sections of the club’s fans have turned against the player following their Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich.

Since the World Cup, Messi and the team have not performed as expected, aligning with the club’s new strategy of focusing on young French players rather than signing superstar talents. Despite this, Messi still believes he can compete at the highest level in Europe, and Barcelona has made no secret of their desire to bring him back this summer.

The feasibility of offering Messi a new contract remains uncertain, but at this stage of his career, it is more likely that he will continue playing in Europe rather than moving to Inter Miami, any other MLS club, or Saudi Arabia.

As the summer approaches, the football world awaits the final decision of Lionel Messi, which could shape the future of both the player and Barcelona Football Club. Follow Nextbet Sports to get the latest updates from the La Liga.