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Xavi labels Lionel Messi the best player ever and leaves door open for Barcelona legend to return amid PSG struggle


BARCELONA boss Xavi has claimed the “door is always open” for Lionel Messi to make an emotional return to the club.

Crippling debts at the club forced Messi to leave last summer in a blockbuster move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Xavi has welcomed the idea of Messi re-joining BarcelonaCredit: AFP

But Messi is yet to really sparkle in his first season in Paris, fuelling speculation of a move back to the club where he shone for 21 years.

The 34-year-old superstar was even BOOED by PSG’s home fans in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Bordeaux.

And Xaxi, 42, welcomed the idea of Messi heading back to Barca as long as he’s in charge at the club.

He said: “I think Messi is the best in history and in the history of the club.

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“The doors will be open and as long as I’m a coach, it’s as if he can come every day if he wants.”

Messi has scored just two goals in 18 league games for Les Parisiens – and suffered Champions League last-sixteen defeat at the hands of old enemies Real Madrid.

Meanwhile Barcelona have recently signed a £237million sponsorship with music streaming giants Spotify, which in turn could free up some finances for transfers in the upcoming window.

Head coach Xavi seems more than keen on a reunion with his former team-mate after having to prioritise free transfers in January.

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Messi holds the record of most Barca appearances in the club’s history (778), 11 more than Xavi managed for the Spanish giants.

The pair won FOUR Champions Leagues and seven LaLiga titles together as players.

Xavi has already brought club legend Dani Alves back to the club on a free transfer since taking over last year, and the Spaniard would be more than happy for Messi to follow suit.


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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