Barcelona has been forewarned by Gerard Pique that pressuring Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou might be “counterproductive.”
Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain after being forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to a financial crisis, is nearing the end of his two-year contract with the Ligue 1 powerhouse.
The World Cup winner’s future is uncertain because Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, is eager to entice him to the Major League Soccer, while Barca frequently seem interested in moving for their all-time leading goalscorer.
While PSG head coach Christophe Galtier revealed the club were planning discussions with the 35-year-old, Blaugrana vice-president Rafael Yuste admitted he would “love” to see the forward return to Camp Nou.
Pique, who announced his retirement from football earlier this season, won eight LaLiga titles alongside Messi at Barca, as well as three Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups.
But the former defender insists a potential reunion between his old club and team-mate must happen naturally.
“He knows Yuste and is a wonderful person who will always tell you what you want to hear,” Pique said during an interview with Gerardo Moreno.
“Forcing the situation, however, can be counterproductive. Things have to move naturally. If it has to be done, it will be done. When there is a desire on both sides, an operation in football can always succeed.”