Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, has made it clear that Lionel Messi’s possible return to the LaLiga club this summer depends on the player himself.
Messi is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
There is interest in the 35-year-old from clubs in the Saudi Arabia and the United States, but Barca remain hopeful of bringing him back despite the longstanding financial problems that caused his exit in 2021.
“It’s up in the air,” Xavi said in a news conference on Monday when asked for an update on Barca’s chances of signing Messi.
“It depends on many things. There is not much more I can say. Leo is a spectacular footballer. He is a friend. From there, it depends on many things, but above all on his intentions and what he wants.”
Messi, who turns 36 in June, could earn a significant amount more in Saudi Arabia, but Barca’s charm offensive to bring him back has stepped up in recent weeks, with vice president Rafa Yuste also expressing his desire to sign him.