Barcelona are ready to tempt Lionel Messi back to the Nou Camp by handing him the captaincy.
The Argentine's two-year stint with PSG will end this summer and his next move is not yet decided with several options on the table for the World Cup winner. Few European clubs would be able to tempt Messi - with a move back to Barcelona perhaps the most obvious option.
A switch to the MLS, potentially with Inter Miami, has been talked up whilst a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, where long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo is plying his trade, has also been touted as a potential destination. Barcelona though are highlighting their desire to have Messi back by making it clear he could reclaim the armband.
The 35-year-old was the club's skipper prior to his exit in 2021 with Sergio Busquets taking on the captaincy after he left. The Spaniard though will call time on his career at the Nou Camp this summer, leaving a void that needs to be filled before next season.
Xavi has just led Barcelona to their first LaLiga title in several years with the Catalans taking the league in dominant fashion. The rookie coach played with Messi during a trophy-laden era and has made no secret of his desire to have the Argentine back, but accepts the decision rests with the player.
He said: "It's up in the air. It depends on many things. There is not much more I can say. Leo is a spectacular footballer. He is a friend. From there, it depends on many things, but above all on his intentions and what he wants."
Barcelona's vice president Rafa Yuste is also on the same page having told DAZN: "I want him to come back, that's the truth. After everything he gave this club, coming through the academy, starting his career here... it's a beautiful story and beautiful stories have to have happy endings. If everything goes well - and even though he has to make the final decision - I hope he returns.
"We would all be really happy."
Should Barcelona fail to attract Messi back to the Nou Camp then the expectation, according to Mundo Deportivo, is that one of Robert Lewandowski or Ronald Araujo will take on the captaincy. The Pole though has been outspoken in his want to be on the same teams as Messi.
He has told Meczyki : “I want to play with Messi here in Barcelona. He has changed his style in recent years. It is easier to play with players who understand football as deeply as he does."
