Xavi responds to Messi-Barcelona comeback talk

Barca president Joan Laporta has recently suggested Messi has unfinished business left at Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s chances of re-signing Lionel Messi are ‘impossible’ for now, according to Xavi Hernandez.

The Blaugrana manager refuses to rule out a return to Camp Nou one day for his former teammate, but he insists it’s not possible right now as the player is under contract at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi, who left Barcelona after 21 years last summer, has one more season left on his current deal. The forward has an option to extend it by another year. But while PSG would offer him another deal altogether, he won’t consider his future until after this winter’s World Cup.

Leo Messi situation ⭐️🇦🇷 #PSG

▫️ Paris Saint-Germain really want to discuss a new deal, as reported by @marca.

▫️ PSG told Messi they are ready to offer a contract until 2024, in case he wants to stay.

▫️ Been told Messi will think about his future ‘only after the World Cup’. pic.twitter.com/OGUZYgHtsX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022

Xavi gives his verdict

Messi’s contract situation has fueled talk of a potential Barca comeback, which Joan Laporta has refused to rule out. The president recently told ESPN that he believes the Argentine’s chapter is not over.

“He has a contract, and it’s impossible right now,” Xavi said in response to the Messi rumors during a press conference in the United States.

“Messi is the best footballer in the world and in history. President Laporta already said that Messi’s story with Barca is not over, but now is not the time to talk about it.”

Barcelona will play Juventus on Tuesday in Dallas for another pre-season friendly.

The 26-time Spanish champions will begin their latest LaLiga campaign on August 13 at home to Rayo Vallecano.