Xavi leaves the door open for a possible Messi to return to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has endured a poor season at the Parc des Princes and would be interested in a return to Barcelona.

The Barcelona project under Xavi Hernandez is firmly underway, with Los Blaugrana sending a strong signal to the world that they are on their way back to the top. The Catalans put up a sublime performance at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night. They defeated a poor and disinterested Real Madrid side in the El Clasico.

Real Madrid looked horrendously off their pace and made Barcelona look like superstars. Los Blancos are chasing their 14th UEFA Champions League title, while Barcelona continue to navigate their way in the doldrums of the less fancied, less colourful Europa League.

Xavi believes his Barca side are almost back to their prime best but need one more component to complete the puzzle. The Spanish manager is interested in bringing back former teammate Lionel Messi to the Nou Camp.

Xavi determined to land Messi

Barcelona are in a rebuild, and Xavi has managed to put together a team capable of challenging for titles, but the spirit of nostalgia will not let them forget the past and forge ahead to new things. The best days of Los Blaugrana had Lionel Messi as the arrowhead of the team, and Xavi insists Messi would be welcome to the club as long as he remains their coach.

Lionel Messi is having a torrid time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he has scored two league goals this season. The rumours have been loud of a possible return of the Argentine maestro to the Nou Camp.

As per 90min, Xavi has kicked the door wide open and is ready to roll out the red carpet for Messi.

Perhaps, Barcelona should let go of the nostalgia and let the past remain in the past. Messi is a club legend and has played his part. It is time to move ahead.

A painful departure

Lionel Messi left Los Blaugrana after nearly two decades at the Catalan club. The 34-year-old maestro joined PSG last summer due to poor financials in Barcelona. Josep Maria Bartomeu ran the club to the ground, leaving the once great Barcelona grovelling on the floor.

Messi has failed to light up the Parc des Princes, with suggestions the Argentine should be left to pasture. The goals have almost dried up as he has managed just two goals from 18 Ligue 1 appearances.

Lionel Messi is arguably Barcelona’s greatest player, and it would be hard to replace him. He scored 672 goals for the club in the 17 years he plied his trade at Camp Nou. Messi delivered 10 La Liga titles, seven Spanish Cups, four Champions Leagues for Barcelona.

Messi has 15 months left on his current PSG contract, and the signs don’t indicate he would abdicate from his contract. The Argentine has not enjoyed the best of form, and with his massive wages, PSG could be willing to terminate his deal and let him re-join Barcelona.

Xavi has opened the door for a return to Los Blaugrana as they chase a first-ever Europa League title.