Barcelona manager Xavi has called for Lionel Messi to be left in "peace" amid persistent talk of a possible return to Camp Nou for the 35-year-old.
Messi's next career move remains shrouded in uncertainty ahead of the expiry of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, which only runs until next summer.
President Joan Laporta and economic vice-president Eduard Romeu have both talked up the possibility of the Argentina international returning to Camp Nou, despite the manner of his exit in 2021.
Barca's volatile financial situation made it impossible for the club to retain Messi's services, and the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has hit 18 goals and 23 assists in 46 outings for PSG since.
Reports have claimed that Messi is not willing to extend his deal with the French champions and will seek out a new challenge in 2023, leading to widespread speculation over a new chapter in Barcelona.
© Reuters
However, speaking to reporters ahead of their Champions League tie with Inter Milan, Xavi played down talk of a reunion with his former teammate and urged for "peace" for the attacker.
"With Leo, let's see, but it's not the moment to talk about it right now," Xavi told reporters. "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."
Messi departed Barcelona in 2021 having cemented his status as the club's all-time record goalscorer and appearance maker, netting 672 strikes in 778 games across all tournaments.
Despite Xavi's comments, economic vice president Romeu has added fuel to the fire surrounding a return for Messi by claiming that the Blaugrana have the financial muscle to pull off a deal.
© Reuters
"It would be possible financially because if he returned, it would be as a free agent," Romeu told Catalunya Radio. "But it's a decision which has to be made by the coaching staff and the player. It doesn't correspond to me [to make those decisions], but it would be viable."
However, it has also been claimed that Messi has completely closed the chapter on Barcelona, having felt 'betrayed' by Laporta in the wake of his departure.
Despite scoring just six goals in his debut Ligue 1 campaign, Messi has hit the ground running this term with seven goals and eight assists from 12 outings in Ligue 1, the Champions League and the Trophee des Champions.
The former Barcelona man was on target once again as Christophe Galtier's side ran out 2-1 winners over Nice at the weekend, which keeps them two points clear of Marseille at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar will endeavour to add more contributions to their famed triumvirate when they seek a third-straight Champions League win in Wednesday's clash with Benfica.
