At FC Barcelona, coach Xavi would welcome his old teammate and world champion Lionel Messi with open arms. "The best player in the world and in history would always fit in. This is his home and the doors are always open for him," Xavi said, referring to speculation about a possible return of the six-time world footballer to the Catalans.

Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season. Recently, there is said to have been a meeting of Jorge Messi, the father and manager of the superstar, with Barça President Joan Laporta, as the radio station Catalunya Ràdio and other Spanish media had reported. Among other things, the future of the Argentine was discussed, it was said.

According to media reports, in addition to Barcelona, Inter Miami and the Saudi top club Al-Hilal are interested in signing the 35-year-old. In Saudi Arabia, Messi could collect an annual salary of 350 million US dollars, several media recently reported. That would be the equivalent of more than 320 million euros. FC Barcelona would not be able to compete with this because of the salary caps in force in Spain.

Messi is a friend, stressed Xavi, who had experienced the most successful period in the club's history with four Champions League victories together with the attacking star. They are in constant contact. "But a lot depends on him what he wants to do in the future," added the former midfield strategist.