Getty Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring for Barca.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has sent out a strong message to Lionel Messi regarding a potential return to the Camp Nou at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Messi is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and speculation has suggested he could head back to Barcelona to join Xavi’s side.
Lewandowski has been asked about the Argentina international and made it clear he would love to play alongside Messi at Barcelona before he hangs up his boots, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“Messi belongs to Barça and if he returns it will be something incredible. We know that his place is here in Barcelona,” he told reporters. “I don’t know what will happen, but I hope that next season we can play together.”
Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has already confirmed the club have been in touch with Messi about a potential return, but it remains to be seen if the Catalan giants will be able to finance such a deal.
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Barcelona Fans Chant For Messi
Barcelona fans have made their feelings clear about Messi. Supporters chanted the forward’s name in the 10th minute of Monday’s draw at the Camp Nou against Girona in La Liga.
🔟 Barça fans continue to miss him. Chants of ‘Messi, Messi’ in minute 10. It seems a new tradition. Today, less loud than on the day of the Clásico.
Manager Xavi was asked about the incident at his post-match press conference and said he is well aware that supporters are excited about the possibility of the club legend returning in the summer, as reported by ESPN.
“Leo generates excitement. They have been chanting his name for the last two games, but we will see if it happens,” he explained. “We just have to focus on this season right now and getting over the line. We still haven’t won [LaLiga] yet.”
Barcelona Players Want Messi Back
Lewandowski is not the only player to have made it clear he would like to play with Messi at Barcelona next season. Left-back Jordi Alba has also urged the forward to return in an interview with Cope, as reported by Yahoo.
“Of course I would like Leo Messi to return to Barca,” he said. “He is the player with whom I have had the best understanding on a field and for the club it was a great loss.”
Sergi Roberto has also spoken about Messi and has been critical of the way the Argentine has been treated at PSG, after he was whistled by some sections of the club’s support, as reported by Goal.
“You don’t understand that he is having a good season in Paris, scoring many goals, assisting,” he said. “Because of the [Champions League] elimination they have taken issue with him, but he is a spectacular player and it’s bad that a player of this level is treated in this way. Here we are going to treat him very well if he comes.”
The prospect of Messi returning to Barcelona to finish his career appears to be gaining traction, but it’s still unclear if the Catalan giants have any chance of making a reunion work financially.
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