(CNN) — It is “impossible” for Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona at this time, club manager Xavi Hernandez has said.
When asked if he wanted Messi to return to the club, Xavi replied to the journalists: “Yes, but at the moment Leo has a contract with another club, so it’s impossible.
“It is impossible. It makes no sense to talk about Messi now,” he said, adding: “He is the best footballer in the world and in the history of football.”
The coach said that president Joan Laporta had indicated that he hopes “the story of Leo and Barça will continue”.
“We’ll see in the future,” added Xavi.
Messi, who made his debut for Barcelona in 2004, won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles with the Catalan club.
Messi moved to the French capital in August 2021.
–
He left Barca in August 2021, joining Paris Saint-Germain to much fanfare in what was arguably the most impactful player-team change ever, but failed to make the shortlist for Player of the Year. of the Year in Ligue 1 after a disappointing first season in France.
Messi admitted in the summer of 2020 that he had wanted to leave Barcelona “all year” and claimed that a clause in his contract meant he could do so for free, but in the end Messi was forced to stay because the club did not agree and would not was willing to reduce his buyout clause of 700 million euros ($897 million).
In the end, the Argentine was ready and willing to stay at the club, but financial difficulties at Barca prompted Messi to make his famous move to the French capital.
CNN’s David Close, John Sinnott and Ben Church contributed reporting.
–
