Xavi has suggested that he understands Lionel Messi's decision to snub a return to Barcelona in search of a "quieter life."
Messi, 35, has agreed to join MLS side Inter Miami - the club co-founded by David Beckham - once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of June. But for much of the season a move back to the Camp Nou has been mooted, with Xavi open to the idea of reuniting with his ex-team-mate and the Barca hierarchy actively pursuing a deal.
Ultimately, Messi decided against a return to where he'd spent more than two decades of his life before an emotional departure in 2021 as a result of Barcelona's well-documented financial difficulties. Xavi was left disappointed by the Argentine icon's announcement on Wednesday but has noticed a "change" in Messi which factored into his rejection.
