Lionel Messi's Camp Reportedly Upset With Xavi Over Recent Interview

Lionel Messi's Camp Reportedly Upset With Xavi Over Recent Interview

Ero Samson
updated at May 31, 2023 at 2:29 PM
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  • Lionel Messi is reportedly leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer
  • A return to Barcelona remains heavily on the card for the Argentine
  • Xavi Hernandez has insisted any return to Camp Nou is up to Messi

FC Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández recently stated the decision of Lionel Messi to return to the Camp Nou is heavily dependent on the player himself.

Those remarks have reportedly not sat well with the Argentine's camp.

Barcelona, La Liga, UEFA Champions League,World
Lionel Messi is set to exit PSG this summer. Image: Xavier Laine.
Source: Getty Images

TyC Sports’ Gastón Edul reported on Tuesday that Messi’s entourage was puzzled by the comments made by Xavi, stating the situation depends on Barcelona receiving the green light from La Liga.

The Catalans need to offload players and comply with the league's financial constraints.

According to information in the media, the Paris Saint-Germain star has demanded that Barcelona put a formal contract on the table, which is something they cannot do at this stage.

The main stumbling block impeding a sensational return remains the club's precarious finances - particularly their high wage bill.

In an attempt to lower this, Barcelona have said goodbye to veterans, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets this summer, just six months after veteran defender, Gerard Pique left the club.

Even with a lower wage bill, it remains doubtful that bringing Messi back to Barcelona is viable.

Meanwhile, rumours of a PSG stay have been sparked after the veteran featured in the club's promotional video for their 2023-24 home kit.

Messi’s transfer options

Messi reportedly has an offer on the table from Saudi Arabian side, Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, other information states that Inter Miami has presented a former proposal to bring the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner to South Florida.

Furthermore, a report from TNT Sports Brasil details that barring a drastic shift, the hopes of seeing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner reunite with his former club are low considering the offrts coming from abroad.

Messi’s father anxious about Barcelona

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Messi’s father and agent, Jorge is sceptical about Messi returning to Barcelona in the summer.

The veteran's representative is said to be anxious about the club's offer and reportedly wants to confirm his son's future as soon as possible.

Messi Senior is also said to be unsure about the Catalans’ financial viability plan and how they will stick to Financial Fair Play rules by La Liga.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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