Too many superstar stories?
Seven-time world footballer Lionel Messi (35 )’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season. There are already rumors of the Argentine’s return to FC Barcelona. Barça vice president Eduard Romeu said just last week that it was financially possible to bring Messi back.
The talk about the Argentine was now too much. Barcelona coach Xavi (42) has asked to leave Lionel Messi (35) alone.
Barcelona coach Xavi during training in Milan
Photo: DANIELE MASCOLO / REUTERS
In a press conference before the Champions League bang against Inter (Tuesday, 21, here in the live ticker), Xavi said: “We’ll see what happens. This is not the time to talk about it.”
The Barcelona legend explains: “You know I like Leo a lot, he’s a friend. Barça is his home but I don’t think it’s time to talk about Leo. We wouldn’t do him any favors by doing so. Paris in peace. I wish him the best. “
In Italian Serie A Inter are only in 9th place, they have already lost four in eight games. However, Xavi warns: “The form doesn’t matter. I played a lot of games where we were the favorites and then I got it wrong. Inter are very strong in the defensive phase, they play very dynamically, they play with two forwards. We don’t usually find this strategy in the Spanish league. He will be a very tough opponent. “
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Unlike Inter, Barça are successful in the league and are also in first place. For Xavi, this could mean extra motivation. The coach: “For us it is a moral boost and gives us confidence to see each other up there after a long time. This is positive, we are on the right path”.
Of course also an argument: the newcomer Robert Lewandowski (34). The striker has scored 12 goals in nine games for Barcelona so far. Xavi is enthusiastic: “The effectiveness of him is remarkable. He plays at a high level, he’s spectacular. Robert’s goals are welcome. I’m happy for him. “
