Xavi Hernandez still hopeful superstar returns to Barcelona

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez isn't giving up on the dream of superstar Lionel Messi returning to the Catalan club this summer. 

"Next week he will make a decision, and you (media) have to leave him alone (to decide)," Xavi told El Mundo Deportivo about Messi, as shared by Omar Garrick of The Athletic. "He will decide his future, and here the doors are open, there is no debate." 

Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier confirmed Thursday that Messi will play his final match for PSG Saturday versus Clermont Foot. Xavi, Messi's former Barcelona teammate and friend, insisted the 35-year-old can still excel for the Spanish giants both in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

"I think that he has the football to continue playing at a high level and that if he comes to Barca, which most or all of the Catalans want, especially the coach, the doors are open," Xavi continued, according to Adriana Garcia of ESPN.

Spanish football writer Guillem Balague reported earlier in the week that financial issues similar to those that caused Messi to leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent two years ago will prevent the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner from completing an emotional return to his former footballing home. Via a roughly translated tweet, Balague said on Friday that Barcelona landing Messi remains financially "impossible" regardless of any conflicting rumors or stories. 

"I do see that he can help us a lot," Xavi added. "Beyond that, in terms of a contract, that’s not my area of expertise, but if the decision comes down to a football one, he’s got the OK from me as manager, 100 percent." 

Messi already serves as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia and reportedly could earn around $400M annually playing in the Saudi Pro League. Balague indicated for BBC Sport Wednesday that government officials from Saudi Arabia believe Messi "has accepted a very lucrative offer from (club) Al-Hilal," but Xavi's comments suggest the living legend is keeping his options open amid ongoing interest from Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.