Spanish newspaper "Marca" reported that Xavi Hernandez's appointment as head coach of FC Barcelona could impact the return of Argentine star Lionel Messi, currently with Paris Saint-Germain, to Camp Nou. Messi was forced to leave Barcelona during last summer's transfer window, joining PSG on a free transfer after the Catalan club failed to renew his contract due to the financial crisis they are experiencing and salary cap restrictions, despite "La Pulga" agreeing to a salary reduction of about 50%.
Marca stated that the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona is not out of the question and could happen in the summer of 2023. According to the Spanish newspaper, the relationship between Lionel Messi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta has soured due to the circumstances surrounding the player's departure. However, Laporta may seek the new coach Xavi Hernandez's help to persuade "La Pulga" to return after his contract with PSG ends.
The Catalan club will not be able to pay any sum to bring back the Argentine star, so they will have to wait until the expiration of his contract with Paris in the summer of 2023. Xavi and Messi played together at Barcelona from 2004 to 2015, and their strong relationship could make "La Pulga" receptive to returning to Camp Nou.
