Paris Saint-Germain boss Christophe Gaiter and Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez both agree that Lionel Messi's future decision shouldn't be played out publicly.
Messi, 35, has been in contact with Barca chiefs ahead of a potential return to the Camp Nou after spending two years in France with PSG. The Argentine icon is on course to become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season, leaving the door open to a homecoming at his boyhood club in Cataluyna.
Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste on Friday confirmed the club's plan to re-sign Messi and manager Xavi - who spent 11 years as his team-mate - soon urged the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to "come home" for a Michael Jordan-esque "last dance." In a press conference, the Barca boss explained: "There is the [financial] fair play issue, but more than anything it depends on Leo's intentions and [if he wants] to come back.
"If that's his intention, we will speak about it. We are friends, we speak often, but it's not the moment to talk about this, for the good of Leo, the club or the squad. It's an issue we're dealing [with], but from that to [him returning] is a big leap.
"I hope we see him come home. I'm the first person who would love to see the best player ever return. And it is normal that fans are excited about a 'Last Dance' like [with] Michael Jordan."
Xavi's mention that "it's not the moment to talk about this" echoed what Galtier had to say when discussing Messi's situation that same day. "Regarding the future of Leo, there is the position of Leo, of the club, it is discussed between the two parties," the Frenchman affirmed.
"I am focused on the 10 matches that come up to get this title. As for knowing what Leo or the club will decide, that remains very confidential."
Talk of the 35-year-old returning to the Camp Nou ramped on Friday because of comments made by Yuste. "Leo and his family know the affection we have for them," Barcelona's vice-president said. "I participated in the [contract] negotiations that in the end did not come to fruition unfortunately and I still have that thorn in my side.
"Of course I would love to see him return and I am sure that many fans share my feeling. I believe beautiful stories in life have to have happy endings and that's why we are in contact with Messi, of course.
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"When you're in love with a person, you lose contact but you want to continue being in love and I think Leo is also in love with Barca and the city of Barcelona. I think fate will make it possible. Let's see if we can have Leo back in Barcelona."
Although Barca remain in a precarious financial predicament, Yuste is confident that they'd be able to engineer Messi's return and stay within LaLiga's stringent economic restrictions. "There are two months left in which we can work with [Javier] Tebas and show it's possible," he added. "If all the conditions are met, we are open to the possibility. The president [Joan Laporta] has been with Leo's father, and there is a good relationship."
