How good is Lionel Messi? His appearances at Paris St. Germain are often not particularly refreshing. A few months ago, at the World Cup in Qatar, the 35-year-old showed impressively what he is capable of. At FC Barcelona this question does not arise anyway. If you find a way to finance your return, you want to do it.
Coach Xavi has already made it abundantly clear that he would welcome a commitment from his former teammate. Messi knows “I have often said that Barcelona is his home and that the doors are open. (…) The best player in history would always find his place there.” And Xavi would probably even be willing to change his beloved system for the exceptional talent.
Revolution for Messi?
According to Sport newspaper, Barça would line up with Messi in a 4-4-2. The left foot should be kept free by a three-man midfield. Frenkie de Jong or Sergio Busquets on the six, plus Gavi and Pedri – Messi would be given all the freedom on the ten to be able to fully call up his qualities.
So far, Xavi has relied on the usual 4-3-3 in Barcelona, which is actually part of the club’s DNA. The 43-year-old attaches great importance to fast wingers, they are an elementary part of the Catalans’ game. The most recent transfer periods were also used to provide Xavi with the right player material.
For Messi, however, these plans would apparently be thrown overboard. It would be revolutionary. And a high risk. Because even a Lionel Messi doesn’t have too many good years left in the tank.
