Lionel Messi has been told that Barcelona “is his home” as the Catalan giants renew their attempts to bring him back to the club.
The Argentine enjoyed a stellar career at the Camp Nou having scored 672 goals for the club over 17 years in the first team. Over that time, he helped Barca to 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a whole host of other major honours.
That was before his shock move away from the Spanish giants last summer after his contract expired - subsequently sealing a move to French side PSG. Messi initially penned a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 side with the option for a further season but there have been reports that Barca are looking to bring Messi back to the Camp Nou sooner rather than later.
When probed about a potential move, Barca boss Xavi has refused to comment about his interest but has reiterated that Messi will always be welcome at Barcelona.
He said: “With Leo, let's see, but it's not the moment to talk about it right now. You know the love I have for him. He is a friend and I will always wish him the best.
“Barca is his home, but we're not doing him any favours speaking about [his future], either. Let's leave him in peace to enjoy his time in Paris and wish him all the best.”
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Interestingly enough, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has already expressed his desire for the 35-year-old to return to the club in the near future.
Speaking in the summer, he said: "I would hope that the Messi chapter isn't over. I think it's our responsibility to try to... find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn't closed, so it turns out like it should have, and that it has a more beautiful ending."
Messi is currently enjoying an extremely productive second season with PSG despite having endured an underwhelming debut campaign in which he scored just 11 goals in all competitions.
The Argentine already has seven goals and eight assists in all competitions so far this season and has expressed his happiness with life in the French capital.
"I feel good, I feel different to last year," he said. "I knew it was going to be like that and I've said before that I had a tough time. I never really found myself.
"This year's different. I arrived with a different mindset, feeling more comfortable with the club, the dressing room, my teammates and the game. The truth is that I feel very good. I'm back to enjoying it."
