With his PSG contract set to expire next month and no extension in sight, Lionel Messi's future is wide open. Interest has already come from Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, and reports from Ole indicate that some English Premier League clubs are also eyeing the superstar. However, the prevailing hope among the fanbase is that he returns to his roots at Barcelona. Football expert Fabrizio Romano indicates that we should hear Messi's final decision within the next few days.
Xavi Hernandez has opened up about where Lionel Messi would fit into the current Barcelona setup if the captain returns for a fairytale second act. As the 2022 World Cup champion nears the end of his tenure at PSG this summer, links to the Spanish giants have intensified. Xavi is convinced that Messi's versatility would allow him to play in multiple positions, making him a vital asset for Barca's long-term success.
During an interview with Sport, Xavi explained that bringing back 'La Pulga' wouldn't require a total tactical overhaul; the team would stick to its current identity and system. He believes Messi's brilliance allows him to be flexible on the pitch, whether playing as a false nine, operating on the wing, playing as an interior midfielder, or dropping deeper to provide the decisive final ball.
Some critics have raised doubts about Messi's defensive work rate and whether he'd fit into a system designed for a high-stakes European campaign. Xavi dismissed these concerns, arguing that defensive expectations vary by role—noting that you can't expect a creative player like Dembele to defend with the same intensity as a specialist like Kounde.
To illustrate his point, Xavi pointed to Robert Lewandowski, noting that while everyone has a job to do, the burden is shared. He highlighted how Lewandowski, despite being a global superstar, successfully adapted to Barca's high-pressing game and defensive blocks. Xavi implies that Messi would similarly integrate into the system, significantly boosting the team's strength. While Barcelona is eager to welcome their prodigal son back, some reports suggest Messi still wants to compete at the highest level in Europe for a few more years.