Messi return would be ‘ultimate last dance’
Xavi believes Lionel Messi's potential Barcelona return in the summer would be similar to Michael Jordan's 'last dance' with the Chicago Bulls.
Messi, who starred for Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, has been linked with a move back to his former side as his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires in the summer.
Xavi has stated his "love" for his former Barcelona teammate while suggesting the Argentinian's return could prove to be of the same success as when Jordan returned to the Bulls two years after his first retirement from basketball.
In the 1997-98 season, Jordan led the Bulls to his second three-peat on his return, which entailed winning the NBA championship three years in a row.
Xavi, speaking ahead of Barcelona's La Liga match at Elche, said of Messi: "Don't misunderstand us, but of course I'm in love with Leo Messi. I've seen him grow up. He is exemplary. It's normal that there is excitement. The ultimate 'last dance', like Michael Jordan. It's normal for people to be excited," he said.
"It's important that the Cule are excited. The best thermometer is Camp Nou. There can be criticism, circumstances, but Camp Nou doesn't fail. People would be excited, happy in the street. It makes me proud."
Xavi added that he hoped to see Messi return, but conceded that it was out of his hands.
"I hope to be able to see Leo back at Barcelona in whatever form it takes. I would be the first to be happy to see him return. It's the club of his life, he's the best player in history, but now is not the time to talk.
"It doesn't depend on me, it depends on Messi, on his happiness, on whether he wants to return and has the will to do so. I have a relationship of friendship and trust and, if he decides to come back, I'll be delighted. I'll be the first to encourage him to come back.
"There is nothing for the moment. We are doing Leo and the club a disservice. It will depend on many factors. We are at the expense of fair-play, but above all of Leo's will," he said.
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