The Former soccer star and Barcelona coach, Xavi has finally reiterated his earlier announcements which he had made on Tuesday that Lionel Messi’s return to the Barcelona football club is quite “impossible” at present but refused to rule out a reunion in future.
The former Barca midfielder had also rejected comparisons between himself and two legendary Blaugrana coaches.
Messi’s 21-year association with FC Barcelona came to an end last August when he had joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer amid the Catalan club’s financial woes. However, it has been recorded that his six league goals during his debut campaign in Paris represented his worst such tally since he netted the same amount in LaLiga as an 18-year-old in 2005/2006.
Read Also: CAF: Oshoala, Mane Claim African Player Of The Year Awards
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has just one year remaining on his contract in the French capital — through an option exists for a further 12 months with PSG.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta did say on Sunday he did not believe the Argentine’s Barca story was over.
Messi’s former teammate and current FC Barcelona coach Xavi, however, told a news conference such a move was unfeasible, at least for now.
“He has a contract and it’s impossible right now,” Xavi said, looking ahead to Barca’s friendly with Juventus in Dallas on Tuesday.
“Messi is the best footballer in the world and in history. President Laporta already said that Messi’s story with Barca is not over, but now is not the time to talk about it.”
On a personal level, Xavi has enjoyed success since returning to FC Barcelona as head coach last November. He led the side to a second-placed league finish after they had languished in ninth under predecessor Ronald Koeman.
Barca are now expected to challenge for silverware after acquiring the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
But Xavi insists he does not seek comparisons with legendary Blaugrana coaches Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff.
“I don’t have the idea of equalling Pep. What I want is for Barca to win,” he added.
“It’s not a question of ego, I don’t want to beat Pep or Johan or anyone. On the contrary, I have nurtured myself from them, I am a student of theirs.
“My dream is to return Barca to the top of the world.”
In spite of their perilous financial situation, FC Barcelona has recruited heavily throughout the transfer window.
