Barça : Hansi Flick keeps it vague about a possible Lionel Messi return
The Barça coach, Hansi Flick, said he has no certainty about a return by Lionel Messi, noting that his own contract would not influence a largely speculative decision.
Flick nommé nouvel entraîneur du FC Barcelone@Goal
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted on Friday that he had no idea whether Lionel Messi would ever return to Catalonia. Speaking to the media, the German coach reminded that his own contract with the Spanish champions runs until 2027, suggesting that the decision would not depend on him.
For several seasons, the prospect of Messi making a comeback at the Camp Nou has regularly fuelled speculation, especially since the Argentine recently visited the renovated stadium’s facilities. “Messi is, for me, the best player of the last ten years, perhaps even more. I’ve always taken enormous pleasure in watching him play,” Flick said.
The 2022 World Cup winner could be available for a short stint as early as the start of next year, with Major League Soccer observing a break before the 2026 World Cup. However, Flick was keen to remind people of the contractual framework: “His deal runs until 2028, mine until 2027. His future here therefore isn’t my direct responsibility.”