Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that the prospect of luring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou remains "up in the air" and "depends on many things".
The legendary 35-year-old attacker is expected to end his two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of next month.
Reports about Messi's expected exit emerged shortly after the seven-time Ballon d'or winner was handed a two-week suspension without pay by PSG after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for commercial reasons, although the forward's punishment was reduced following a public apology.
Messi has recently been subject to boos, whistles and protests from PSG supporters in response to his uncertain future at the club, and a home encounter with Clermont on the final day of the Ligue 1 season on June 3 could be his last for the French giants at the Parc des Princes.
The Argentine's potential return to La Liga champions Barcelona has been mooted for several months and the club's president Joan Laporta has revealed that they 'will do everything they can' to re-sign their former No.10.
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Laporta has also confirmed that he has "exchanged messages recently" with Messi over a return to Barcelona, two years after he was forced to leave upon the expiration of his contract amid the club's financial troubles.
Barca's well-documented financial issues still remain, with La Liga chief Javier Tebas stating earlier this month that they are required to generate funds from player sales before they can consider making new signings such as Messi, who would also have to take a significant pay cut.
Xavi is thought to be keen to reunite with Messi at Camp Nou, but the Barca boss has suggested that there are a number of obstacles the club must overcome before a deal can materialise.
Speaking to reporters, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Xavi said: "[Messi's] return is up in the air. It depends on many things.
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"He's a spectacular footballer and he's a person I'm friends with. We will see if it can happen or not. It also depends on the intention and desire Leo has".
Between 2004 and 2021, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and won a total of 35 trophies including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
Since then, Messi has contributed with 31 goals and 35 assists in 73 games for PSG, including an assist in the 2-1 Ligue 1 victory against Auxerre on Sunday.
Barcelona are not the only club said to hold an interest in signing Messi, as Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal and MLS side Inter Miami are also hoping to lure the 2022 World Cup winner away from Paris.
Oliver Thomas
