'He's in love with the club' - La Liga president Javier Tebas gives his verdict on possibility of Neymar and Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona

Messi and Neymar spent four glorious seasons at Camp Nou before the Brazilian completed a world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Four years later, the Argentine joined his friend in the French capital as he signed for the Ligue 1 giants after his contract with the Catalan club expired.

In 2023, the duo parted ways with PSG. While Messi headed to the US to join David Beckham-owned Inter Miami, Neymar signed for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. The Brazil icon's journey in the Middle East, however, was cut short this January as departed to join boyhood club Santos on a six-month. Neymar has been strongly linked with a move back to Europe in the summer and Barcelona could be a possible destination for him. Messi too has been tipped to move back to Spain on a temporary deal later this year.

La Liga president Tebas has opened up on the star duo's potential return to Spain as he told GiveMeSport: "I think Messi wants to go back to Barcelona. He spent lots of years there. I am quite sure Messi will come back. Maybe as a player, but I can see him returning in another capacity as well. Messi and Barcelona go hand in hand. His brand, and Barcelona's brand, are in many ways one and the same. He is in love with the club. Neymar is a different story. I don't think he will ever return to Barcelona. I am quite sure of that."

While Messi and Neymar's return to the club remains a subject of speculation, Hansi Flick's side are now focused on winning the league title this season. They are currently at the top of the table and will next face Real Sociedad on Sunday.