Xavi played with Messi for FC Barcelona from 2005 to 2015. “The fans are looking forward to one last dance like Michael Jordan did,” said the former midfielder at the press conference ahead of the La Liga leaders’ game against FC Elche.
“I would like him to come back and help us. It’s the club of his life, he’s the best player in the history of the club and in the history of football,” continued Xavi.
Vice President Rafael Yuste was also confident that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would return to his old place of work. Speaking at the press conference launching the Barça Academy World Cup, the 59-year-old said that “destiny is wise and it takes you back to where you belong”.
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The club has a “good relationship” with Messi’s environment. Barça President Joan Laporta recently met with Messi’s father Jorge Horacio.
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Of course, the transfer also depends on the economic situation of the club, Yuste said. This is subject to the strict rules of the Financail Fairplay of the Spanish league.
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Since Messi’s contract in Paris expires in the summer of 2023, he would be available on a free transfer. However, according to the French sports daily “L’Équipe”, the world champion currently earns 3.375 million euros gross per month, i.e. 40.5 million euros per season.
It remains to be seen to what extent Barcelona can go along with it or to what extent Messi is already making concessions. The 35-year-old trained with the Catalans from 2000 to 2005 and then played for the first team from 2005 to 2021.
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