Lionel Messi has been urged to return by Barcelona manager Xavi.
Due to the club’s financial difficulties, the Argentine left Camp Nou last summer on a free transfer. Despite joining PSG, Messi is still frequently mentioned as a potential return to Barcelona.
While Messi has started the current season with three goals in as many games, he had a challenging first season at PSG despite scoring 11 goals and dishing out 15 assists in 34 appearances last season.
Despite having a strong start to the new campaign with PSG, Messi’s former colleague and current Barcelona head coach Xavi reportedly wants to re-sign the Argentina international, according to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.
According to the source, Xavi is seeking individuals who can play the game the way the Barcelona’s manager envisions, such as Bernardo Silva and Messi.
Although the Catalan giants may be able to sign Silva this summer, they might have to hold off until Messi’s PSG contract expires the following year.
Even if they have only lately been able to pay the registration fees for some of their summer signings, Barcelona are still moving forward with their transfer business.
In their first encounter at the Nou Camp, they drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano. Former Chelsea target Jules Kounde was unable to join the matchday squad for the game due to La Liga regulations.
The Catalans are still highly interested in Bernardo Silva even though Xavi has begged Joan Laporta, the club’s president, to bring Lionel Messi back to the team.
The Argentine forward left the team last summer on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain since Barcelona couldn’t afford to renew his contract because of their financial difficulties.
After a season in which they were unsuccessful in winning any championships, Xavi continued by saying that the coaching staff has been working to assist the team in regaining their confidence.
“We are attempting to fix it,” said Xavi.
“We instill a lot of confidence so they can feel at ease on the field.
“We keep an eye on them using individual videos so that they can develop as a group.
“I have complete faith in the team I have assembled.”
Barcelona has been under fire for making large summer purchases despite their financial difficulties, but according to Xavi, the team has not breached any rules.
“We don’t feel this way on the inside,” said Xavi.
“We are signing knowing that we are following all the rules, which is far from the case.”
The Barcelona coach also praised Jules Kounde’s qualities and insisted that the squad will advance through defensive competitiveness.
