Lionel Messi reinforces he wants to return to Barcelona

‘I would like to help the club in whatever way I can’: Lionel Messi admits he would ‘LOVE’ to return home to Barcelona one day, as he backs his struggling former club to ‘grow’ with Xavi in charge

  • PSG star Lionel Messi has reiterated his desire to go back to Barcelona one day
  • Six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s time at his beloved club came to end in the summer
  • The Argentine has already expressed his intention to eventually return to Spain


Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has reiterated his desire to go back to Barcelona one day because he’s keen ‘to help the club in whatever way I can’.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s time at his beloved Barcelona came to an end in the summer after financial turmoil meant he could not sign a new contract.

Messi has already expressed his intention to eventually return to Spain and has now reinforced his preference.

Barcelona manager Xavi

Lionel Messi (L) reiterated desire to go back to Barcelona, now managed by Xavi (R), one day

‘I have always said that I was going to return to Barcelona in some moment, because it was my home and I lived there,’ he told Marca.

‘I would always like to help the club in whatever way I can and obviously, if I can contribute and help the club, I would love to return.’

Messi had to sensationally walk away from Barcelona  and leave the Spanish giants for good, despite being widely expected to remain at the Nou Camp.

After becoming a free agent following the expiration of his deal, he did look set to re-sign with the club.

Messi and Xavi were Barca team-mates for 11 years where they won a host of trophies together

Messi and Xavi were Barca team-mates for 11 years where they won a host of trophies together

Messi was in line for a fresh long-term deal, albeit on lower pay, but an agreement could not be reached due to financial LaLiga regulations.

Instead, the Argentina international completed a stunning move to PSG on a two-year deal worth £1million a week.

Messi has notched four goals and supplied one assist in nine appearances for the French giants so far, including his first goal in Ligue 1 in the 3-1 victory over Nantes last weekend.

Meanwhile, his old club Barcelona secured their first league win since October 17 after beating rivals Espanyol as Messi’s former team-mate Xavi kicked off his reign as manager with three points.

And Messi, who will be in England for the trip to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night, threw his support behind the former midfielder.

‘With Xavi, Barcelona are going to grow,’ he said. ‘He is a coach that knows a lot and that knows the home to perfection.’ 

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