Lionel Messi visited Barcelona last month and met with current manager Xavi Hernandez along with several other former teammates. The Argentine was spotted dined with Xavi & co. in a Japanese restaurant on the eve of the Barça head coach’s 42nd birthday.
It was the first time that Messi returned to Catalonia since leaving the club for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window. His time in the French capital club so far has not been all too pleasant, as he has struggled to get going for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Having not been called up for the Argentina national team during the break, he made the most of his break by meeting with Xavi. And the pair are believed to have discussed various things during their dinner, including the topic of transfers.
According to reports in Spain (h/t Mirror), the subject of PSG prospect Xavi Simons was broached and it is claimed that Messi advised the current Barcelona manager not to sign the teenager in the summer.
Simons is a player Barça are familiar with, considering that he spent his formative years at the club’s famed La Masia youth setup. However, he opted to leave the Catalan giants in the summer of 2019 for a more lucrative contract.
While he made his first-team breakthrough under Pochettino last season, Simons has been unable to shine brightly and cement a spot in the side., making just seven appearances in total so far. And with his contract running out at the end of the season, the teenager is expected to move on in the summer.
There have been strong links about a potential return to Barcelona. However, as per the report, Messi has advised Xavi not to pursue the 18-year-old’s signing.
The Argentine is believed to have told his former teammate that the PSG youngster is not ready for the elite level of football yet and would not justify his current wage demands.