PSG midfielder wants to join Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Xavi makes decision on transfer: Reports 

According to El Nacional, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Marco Verratti is keen to join Lionel Messi at Barcelona next summer. However, Xavi has reportedly decided against the signing.

Verratti has been a long-term servant for the Parisian club. He joined the club in 2012 and has since made 412 appearances for them, scoring 11 goals and providing 61 assists.

However, French daily L'Equipe reported that Rafaela Pimenta's client is looking for a move away from PSG. He is reportedly keen on a move to the Catalan club.

Xavi, however, wishes the team's midfield revolve around the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong in the future. He doesn't want to add the 30-year-old Italian to the team's ranks.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, has been linked with a return to Barcelona in the summer. The Argentine is currently in the final months of his contract with PSG and hasn't yet signed an extension. Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Messi will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Blaugrana, though, need to free up €200 million from their wage bill to register new players in the summer. Hence, it might be difficult for the club to secure a return for Messi.

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PSG looking to prevent Lionel Messi from joining Barcelona

While Lionel Messi hasn't extended his PSG contract and there have been widespread reports about him returning to Barcelona, the Parisians are reportedly looking to extend Messi's stay.

They are looking to re-open talks of a potential renewal with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. Messi has been in good form for the French club this season. He has scored 20 goals and has provided 19 assists in 37 matches.

Messi joined the Ligue 1 giants in the summer of 2021 after Barca were unable to renew his contract due to La Liga's wage cap rules. He has since scored 31 goals and has provided 34 assists in 71 matches for the club.