Barcelona legend Xavi has backed Lionel Messi to stay at the club, declaring: “Barcelona needs Messi and Messi needs Barcelona”.
Messi, who has spent his entire senior career at Barcelona, is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.
Inter Milan, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in the 33-year-old.
But Xavi, who played alongside Messi, has now backed the Argentina international to stay at Barcelona.
“Hopefully. I think Barcelona needs Messi and Messi needs Barcelona,” Xavi told BeIN Sports.
“So it is a matter of time. Let’s see, but hopefully he can continue with Barcelona.”
It had been reported in Spain that Messi was set to leave, but the election of Joan Laporta as president is expected to increase his chances of staying.
“He (Laporta) is a good friend and I know him very well,” Xavi added.
“He will do the best for Barca. He is a very good guy. The best president that I had in Barcelona.
“So Barcelona will come back for sure - for the results, for economically. There are now many problems to solve, but I think Laporta can do everything.
“I wish them all the best. Of course I am in touch with Laporta. I am very happy for him.”
