Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has revealed what he told Lionel Messi after the Argentine departed the Spanish giants last year ahead of his free-agent move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi Asked To Return To Barcelona?
In recent weeks, it has been reported that the Brazilian and head boss Xavi Hernandez would love to see the Argentine back at the Camp Nou amid his struggles in France, with El Nacional claiming that the 34-year-old's wife has asked him to return to his boyhood club as she and their kids are battling to adapt to life in Paris.
While The Sun has since suggested that Messi has no intention to cut his two-year contract in Ligue 1 short, Alves has now admitted he would love to see his former teammate retire at Barcelona, and that he told the 2021 Copa America winner he will not find a better place to play football than at the Blaugrana.
"Messi is the best player in the history of football. It's strange to be here and not see him, to not have him in the squad," he told Catalunya Radio.
Did you see the full FIFA FIFPRO XI that was named earlier this week? Messi features!
"Sometimes things don't happen as we dream. I already told him that he is not going to be in any better place than here.
"He told me the same when I left. It would be very good if Messi finishes his career here."
Messi, who claimed a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or in November, was forced to leave Barcelona after president Joan Laporta could not afford to offer him a new contract due to their financial issues.
PSG were quick to take advantage of the situation, announcing his arrival just days later, although things have not yet gone according to plan in France for the player.
Messi has found the net on just six occasions in 16 appearances across all competitions for the French club this season, with only one of those strikes coming in Ligue 1.
