Leave Messi alone – Xavi tells media

Argentine icon Lionel Messi has been seriously linked with a return to Catalan giants Barcelona, but the club’s head coach, Xavi, wants the media to stop and “leave him in peace.”

After the contract with Barça expired in the summer of 2021 and the club was unable to offer him a new one owing to financial constraints, Messi departed the team. He later signed a free transfer to join Paris Saint-Germain.

But Messi has been hotly tipped to return to Catalonia ever since landing in France, and Xavi was once more questioned about the possibility before Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League trip to Inter.

“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. Barça 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.”

After a shaky opening season, Messi’s 2022/2023 season has gotten off to a much better start, with five goals and seven assists so far. Barcelona also is doing better having ascended to the top of La Liga after defeating Mallorca, while Real Madrid’s opponents could only manage a draw against Osasuna at home.