Barcelona head coach Xavi has confirmed that he is in talks with Lionel Messi over a possible return to Camp Nou this summer.
The 35-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the legendary forward expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires next month.
Messi's relationship with the Ligue 1 champions is understood to have broken down and both parties are now prepared to go their separate ways this summer.
The 2022 World Cup winner was briefly suspended without pay by PSG earlier this month for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia for commercial reasons, before the forward's punishment was reduced following a public apology.
Messi and teammate Neymar, who has also been linked with a possible exit, have both been on the receiving end of boos, whistles and protests from PSG supporters due to the uncertainty over their futures at the Parc des Princes.
Messi has spent the last two seasons at PSG, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 74 games, since being forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 upon the expiration of his contract amid the club's financial problems.
The Catalan club's well-documented financial issues still remain, but president Joan Laporta has insisted that they 'will do everything they can' to re-sign Messi this summer.
Xavi, meanwhile, stated last week that the prospect of luring the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Camp Nou remains "up in the air" and "depends on many things".
However, the 43-year-old has since revealed that a return for Messi to Catalonia "makes sense" and talks between himself and the Argentine have taken place.
Speaking to Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT, Xavi said: "I told the president that Messi return makes sense. No doubts at all, he is perfect for our system and idea.
"I've the tactical plan in mind with Leo. It's up to Leo. I think he has to decide, it's up to him... I'm speaking with Leo, yes."
Xavi added: "I'm in no doubt that if Messi were to return, he would help us in what we are wanting to achieve with our football. He continues to be a determined footballer, he has the hunger still.
"He's still a winner, he's a leader and he's different. At Barcelona, we've not have the same level since what we reached as a pinnacle in 2010."
Messi, who recently became the joint-most decorated football of all time, won a total of 35 trophies with Barcelona between 2004 and 2021, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
The forward contributed with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan giants, who were crowned La Liga champions under Xavi for the first time this season.
Barcelona are not the only team believed to be in the race for Messi's signature, as Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal and MLS club Inter Miami have also been credited with an interest in the Argentine. body check tags ::
