Barcelona WILL lure back Lionel Messi: Xavi is the key factor to re-sign PSG star, according to reports

Xavi and Lionel Messi
(Image credit: Getty)

PSG star Lionel Messi could be in line for a shock return to Barcelona - now that Xavi has been confirmed as manager. 

Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain over the summer after a series of financial mismanagement issues that led to the Argentine being unavailable to register. PSG pounced, signing the Barca legend on a free transfer.

But the contract that Messi was handed is only for two seasons, with the option of a third. Barcelona are already targeting how to take back their former talisman - and Xavi could be key.

The ex-Barca midfielder's appointment as manager at the Camp Nou is a move that will no doubt please the Argentinian, who played with Xavi. According to reports, Barca are planning to be in a position in which they can tempt Messi back in 2023 when his contract ends.

From there, it is likely that Messi would spend the final days of his playing career back at Barca.

Barcelona are still in the midst of a financial crisis that has led to them having to sell off assets such as Antoine Griezmann - in a loan deal to Atletico Madrid with an obligation to buy - and renegotiating the contract of Gerard Pique, just to register their summer signings.

They could yet lose goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen with Newcastle United interested in his services and Frenkie De Jong, with Manchester City said to be keen. Francisco Trincao - on loan at Wolves - could be sacrificed, too, while Sergi Roberto is likely to be offered around as well.

The LaLiga outfit have also agreed a payment structure to improve the Camp Nou.

Messi was offered a new deal when his last one expired at the club in the summer. The two parties actually agreed terms but found that the contract that they had agreed was unable to be signed, due to LaLiga salary cap rules. Barcelona were found to have too high a wage bill to re-sign their player. 

PSG are currently taking time for all their new stars to gel together.

FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.

Read more
Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi cries during a press conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2021. - The six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had been expected to sign a new five-year deal with Barcelona on August 5 but instead, after 788 games, the club announced he is leaving at the age of 34. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi ready for sensational Barcelona return - 'I can't leave football without playing at the new Camp Nou': report
ATLANTA, GA MARCH 16: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC on March 16th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Barcelona
Lionel Messi return to Barcelona being 'slowly prepared', with Blaugrana setting clear date for permanent deal: report
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring for Inter Miami against New England Revolution in October 2024.
Why Lionel Messi WON'T return to Barcelona on loan, despite being linked with winter move
SANTOS, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 19:Neymar of Santos celebrates the second goal of his team scored by Tiquinho Soares during a Campeonato Paulista 2025 match between Santos and Noroeste at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on February 19, 2025 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) Barcelona
Neymar in talks over stunning Barcelona return, after just a month of being back in Brazil: report
Lionel Messi and Neymar celebrate together
Fresh Neymar reveal tips potential THIRD Lionel Messi link-up
Neymar
Neymar in talks to shockingly cut Santos homecoming short: report
Latest in Stories
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed