Lionel Messi’s future – Xavi wants Messi back at Barca: ‘The doors will always be open to him’

“I have no doubt that he could help us“, admitted the Catalan who had evolved alongside La Pulga at Barça for a decade. He confirmed that he had discussed it with Joan Laporta, his president. “I have no doubt that he will help us because he remains a decisive footballer, he still has that flame. He’s a winner and he remains a different player.“

Can Messi return? Xavi thinks so, although the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba won’t help the Catalan club. “I don’t know, I’m not in his head. From my side, with the relationship I have with him, I was very clear. The doors will always be open to him here. If he wants to come, I will have no doubts about him as a coach. It all depends on his personal decision.”

Xavi knows how he will integrate Messi into his Barça

Xavi isn’t afraid of the passage of time and its effects on Messi’s physical condition. Better, he already knows how he will integrate the world champion into his team. “I think he still has a lot of years ahead of him at the highest level. During the World Cup, we saw a Messi who was extraordinary. Leo can play in several positions: false 9, on the winger, number eight (“interior”) who can make the last pass. He almost redefined himself as a midfielder. He is almost a central midfielder (behind the striker). He has this ability.”

Regarding defensive tasks, Xavi also has his idea. According to him, Messi can perfectly stick to his idea of ​​play, even with tasks to accomplish for the collective. “The work is the same for everyone, we saw it with Robert Lewandowski, a world star, who adapted very well to our high pressing, our pressing after the loss of the ball and our median block. It will be the same for all the footballers who could join the team.”

At the end of the contract with PSG on June 30, Leo Messi will be one of the attractions of the next transfer window. A few weeks ago, his clan denied having given an agreement to a Saudi Arabian club and mentioned a decision as to the future after the end of the French championship.