Barcelona have been warned they are a " Europa League team without Lionel Messi " - with the chances of a romantic reunion next summer now deemed 'improbable'.
The footballing world was left stunned when Messi departed the Spanish giants to join Paris Saint-Germain last summer as a direct consequence of Barcelona's financial issues. The Argentine superstar endured a difficult maiden season in France, but has found form for Christophe Galtier's side this term.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are still trying to adapt to life without their talisman. The Catalan outfit have been reinvigorated by Xavi Hernandez, who succeeded Ronald Koeman last year, but the Spaniard has struggled to improve Barcelona's fortunes in Europe.
