Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given his take regarding the future of his former player Lionel Messi.
Pep Guardiola: “I’m sure Leo Messi will try everything to return to Barcelona”, told ESPN 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2023
“I’m sure Joan Laporta will try to make it happen and Messi the same — I hope he can say goodbye as he deserved, I want to be on my own seat on the field to enjoy his farewell”. pic.twitter.com/7ytNzWQ7tx
"I'm sure Leo Messi will try everything to return to Barcelona," the tactician told ESPN.
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Messi is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain next season and has been subject to much speculation surrounding his future plans.
🚨 Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2023
Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project.
It was the final breaking point. pic.twitter.com/Bwehuvyq1E
Lionel Messi Rumored to Return to Barcelona
Guardiola added, "I hope one day, we can say goodbye to Messi with Barcelona like how he deserves, the best player ever."
The Catalan club wasn't able to give the Argentine a proper send-off when he left in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, unlike fellow club legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who were given tributes in a full-packed 99,000-seater Camp Nou.
However, the tributes for the recent World Cup winner may have to wait as rumors about a sensational return to Barcelona continue to take stride.
Guardiola remains confident that FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta will be able to finish the task of bringing back the club's best player in history.
"I'm sure Joan Laporta will try to make [Messi's return to Barcelona] happen," the former Barca manager said.
🚨✅ Pep Guardiola: “I’m sure Leo Messi will try everything to return to Barcelona. I’m sure Joan Laporta will try to make it happen and Messi the same — I hope he can say goodbye as he deserved, I want to be on my own seat on the field to enjoy his farewell.” pic.twitter.com/7gDthVBZXe
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 10, 2023
Guardiola managed FC Barcelona from 2008-2012. He guided them to 14 trophies, including two Champions League victories.
In his first season managing the club, Barca won its first continental treble. During this season, Lionel Messi also took a leap towards superstardom, becoming Barcelona's unquestioned best player and taking the #10 shirt number.
Guardiola's Barcelona squads are considered among the best teams in history.
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