The club’s doors will always remain open to former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, according to current manager Xavi Hernandez, ahead of the team’s Europa League second-leg round-of-16 encounter against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Speaking highly of Messi, who many consider being the best player ever to grace the game, Xavi stated that he is in constant contact with the Argentinean and that Camp Nou was and will always be Messi’s home. Xavi has remained tight-lipped about whether he has spoken with Messi about a possible return to his previous club, saying it is up to Messi to determine his future but hasn’t ruled it out.
“This is his home and the doors are open to him. There is no doubt about it. He is a friend, we are in permanent contact. It will depend a lot on him, on what he wants to do in his future, on what the club wants to do as well,” Xavi said about Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, Messi left FC Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, after spending 21 years with the club where he experienced unprecedented success in addition to collecting seven Ballon d’Or awards – considered to be football’s most prestigious individual trophy.
When asked if the World Cup winner could fit into the current squad, Xavi responded that a player of Messi’s stature could fit into any squad.
“He is the best in the world and in history; he would always fit in,” Xavi added.
Messi is presently plying his trade in France, with PSG currently dominating the Ligue 1 point table, but they trail Bayern Munich 0-1 in their round-of-16 Champions League game, with the second leg due to take place at Allianz Arena on Thursday, March 9th.
Barcelona is ready to take on Manchester United in the away fixture, thanks to Xavi
After a 2-2 draw at home in the first leg, Barcelona will travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday to face a motivated Manchester United. United, who have been cruising ahead with some amazing stretches on the football pitch recently, would be a tougher challenge for the visiting Barcelona, according to Xavi. Xavi praised Manchester United’s current squad as one of the greatest in Europe, stating that in order for Barcelona to beat them at home, they must have both attitude and spirit.
“It’s a tough game. Manchester United is one of the best teams in Europe. On many levels they are the best United has been in recent years. At Camp Nou, they showed a lot of personalities, a lot of character, and a lot of paces. We need the mentality to win a big game in Europe,” said Xavi. “It’s a perfect occasion to show that Barcelona can compete against one of the big teams in Europe. It’s a very good opportunity. Also, It’s a test; every game for Barcelona is a test, this one with more emphasis.”
