Barcelona boss Xavi has admitted that he is in talks with Lionel Messi over a potential sensational summer return to the Nou Camp.
The Argentine World Cup winner is expected to leave French champions PSG in the summer when his contract expires at the end of June.
Image- Sportz Point
Messi, who turns 36 next month, was suspended by PSG earlier this month for taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, where he serves as an ambassador for the country's tourist board.
Manager Xavi has now admitted that he is in touch with Messi over such a blockbuster move and already devising tactical plans that include the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, having guided Barcelona back to the summit of LaLiga this season.
The GOAT is expected return to Barcelona this summer (Image- Reuters)
'I told the president that Lionel Messi return makes sense,' Xavi told Catalan publication Sport. 'No doubts at all, he is perfect for our system and idea. I've the tactical plan in mind with Leo.
'It's up to Leo. I think he has to decide, it's up to him… I'm speaking with Leo, yes.' - Xavi
Lionel Messi, Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan make up the holy trinity of free transfers that Barcelona want to build their summer around – one legend and two top internationals that will excite supporters and improve the quality of the team that has just won the league.
Making it happen will not be easy and depend largely on how much slack they are cut by La Liga and how successful their attempts at selling players are.
The club have to make up a £174million <€200m> deficit in order to move with freedom in the transfer market, free from the shackles of La Liga's 40 per cent rule that will otherwise oblige them to spend only £35million <€40m> of every £100million they bring in by either increasing revenue or reducing costs.
The scrapping of in-house TV channel Barça TV saves them 12m euros a year and they announced this week that Ambilight TV will be their shirt sleeve sponsors for three years for £7m <€8m>, £8.6m <€10m> and £10.5m <€12m>.
The news comes in the same week that Jordi Alba has revealed he will leave at the end of this season saving Barcelona a sizeable chunk of the 36m euros they would have had to pay him in gross earnings and backdated salary from the pandemic.
His severance has not been made public but it will only be a fraction of that sum due if he had stayed.
Real Madrid have won 106 El-Clasico matches, while Barcelona have won 103 times, excluding the exhibition games where Barcelona has dominated the Los Blancos.
El Clasico refers to a match between two of Spain's biggest teams, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The rivalry goes beyond the football field as Madrid, the capital of Spain and Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia's autonomous community, have shared their fair share of political tension over the years.
Initially, the term was only used for the matches in the domestic Spanish championship, La Liga. Over the years, however, it's been globally recognised for every single meeting, such as in the UEFA Champions League or even domestic cup competitions like the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.
With both teams boasting big budgets and reputations that appeal to world-class performers across the planet, their respective ranks have been loaded with match-winners over the years.
Here we have for you a breakdown of the games the two giants have played!
Competition
Matches
RMA Wins
BAR Wins
Draws
RMA Goals
BAR Goals
La Liga
189
79
75
35
304
305
Copa de la Coronación
1
0
1
0
1
3
Copa del Rey
39
13
18
8
72
74
Copa de la Liga
6
0
2
4
8
13
Supercopa de España
18
10
6
2
40
29
UEFA Champions League
8
3
2
3
13
10
All competitions
258
106
103
51
440
431
Exhibition games
43
6
25
12
56
106
Most Appearances in El-Clasico
Sergio Busquets has played the most number of El-Clasico matches.
Former Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has played 48 El-Clasico games, the most in the rivalry's history. Lionel Messi and Sergio Raoms follow him in the list with 45 El-Clasico games.
Apps
Player
Club
48
Sergio Busquets
Barcelona
45
Lionel Messi
Barcelona
Sergio Ramos
Real Madrid
43
Karim Benzema
Real Madrid
42
Paco Gento
Real Madrid
Manuel Sanchís
Real Madrid
Xavi
Barcelona
40
Gerard Piqué
Barcelona
Most goals in El-Clasico
Former FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has scored the most goals in El-Clasico. Since making his first Clasico appearance in 2005, the Argentine legend has played a joint-record 45 matches against Madrid, scoring 26 goals. This includes two hat-tricks in 2007 and 2014.
Former Real Madrid forwards Alfredo Di Stefano and Cristiano Ronaldo share the second spot with 18 goals each.
PSG vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Semi-final Highlights: PSG knockout Arsenal by 2-1 (3-1 agg) to set a date with Inter in final
Get the highlights of PSG vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Semi-final second leg match at the Parc des Princes in Paris as PSG knocked out Arsenal by 3-1 on aggregate to qualify for their second Champions League final ever.
Hello and welcome to another exciting evening of UEFA Champions League football. This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you all the updates of the PSG vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Semi-final second leg match at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Meanwhile, Arsenal looked good in spells but could not convert their chances to level with PSG at their home. But with only one goal deficit, this game is far from over.
With both teams not tasting European success in their history, they will not want to miss the chance to qualify for the final.
So, sit back and relax as we bring you every minute update of the match. Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
May 7, 2025, 7:01 PM
LIVE Score!
May 7, 2025, 9:11 PM
Final thoughts!
Arsenal dominated the first 15 minutes, but after that, it was all about PSG at their home.
Luis Enrique has done a tremendous job with PSG and created leaders in different positions.
Donnarumma has been a beast under the post. Hakimi, with 21 goal contributions, is now one of the best. Vitniha, Neves and Marquinhos are one of the best in their positions as well.
Dembele is running for a potential Ballon d'Or finish. So, the credit should go to Enrique for all his efforts.
Arsenal had their chances, but they failed to take them. Saka did score but missed one as well.
So, it will be Inter Milan vs PSG in the final in Munich. Thank you for staying up with us.
Good night, and I will see you on 1st June in the final. Till then, take care and enjoy football.
Arsenal dominated the first 15 minutes of the game. But saves from Donnarumma made sure PSG did not concede any before Fabian Ruiz scored a screamer to hand PSG the lead.
Will Arsenal be able to make a match out of it, like Barcelona did last night?
Or, PSG are heading to Munich?
We'll see that after the break.
May 7, 2025, 7:48 PM
45+1' | Hakimi with the block
Rice and Odegaard linked up with Saka for a portable chance before the first half whistle.
Saka's cross was cleared away by Hakimi.
May 7, 2025, 7:47 PM
45' | 2 minutes added
2 minutes have been added as stoppage time.
May 7, 2025, 7:46 PM
45' | Lewis-Skelly is down
Barcola's powerful shot hit Lewis-Skelly hard. He is down in pain and we have a stoppage.
May 7, 2025, 7:46 PM
44' | Ruiz does the defensive work
Saka went through Mendes, and Rice nearly met with the pass. But, Ruiz was there to clear it out and create another counter attack for PSG.
May 7, 2025, 7:44 PM
41' | Chance for Arsenal
Saka's cross was left alone by Merino, hoping that someone from his team would connect with it in the far post.
But, no red shirt was there to receive the ball.
May 7, 2025, 7:43 PM
41' | Not good enough from Timber
Timber went for a cross from the right, but Pacho was there to clear the ball with a header.
Arsenal are trying but PSG are looking like the team in control.
May 7, 2025, 7:41 PM
Ouucchh!
5 - Since the start of April, no Premier League side has conceded more goals from set plays (excl. pens) in all competitions than Arsenal (5, level with Ipswich Town). Turnabout. pic.twitter.com/3PKwUNxCB8
Almost time for PSG v Arsenal. No Dembele for the hosts with Doue expected to play through the middle. Thomas Partey returns in midfield for the visitors pic.twitter.com/Z3lz3W2Rgl
In the first semi-final, Inter Milan knocked out FC Barcelona by 7-6 in a Champions League classic match. Inter now have qualified for the final for the second time in last three seasons.
Football fans from India can watch the PSG vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Semi-final second leg match LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV Channels.
Meantime, they can also stream the match LIVE on Sony LIV app and website.
May 7, 2025, 10:13 AM
Match Details
Match: PSG vs Arsenal, UEFA Champions League 2024-25, Semi-final, second leg
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 2nd leg: Inter knocks out Barcelona by 4-3 in a Champions League classic
Read the highlights of the Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 2nd leg match as Inter knocked out Barcelona by 4-3 to qualify for the final.
Hello and welcome to another grand evening of UEFA Champions League football. This is Koushik Biswas, with the third final night of the Champions League this season.
Tonight, we will be bringing you LIVE updates, scores, news and free commentary of the Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 2nd leg match at the San Siro.
Barcelona and Inter played out a 3-3 draw in the first leg in Barcelona last week. Inter Milan are looking to win the Champions League after 15 years, whereas Barcelona are looking for their first one since 2015.
So, both teams have everything to play for, and we can expect nothing but a Champions League classic tonight. Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage.
Do not forget the follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all the updates of the match as well.
LIVE Updates
May 6, 2025, 6:53 PM
Final Score
May 6, 2025, 9:57 PM
Final verdict!
It was a hell of a game. Inter kept on coming back, and so did Barcelona.
But in the end, I feel it was Yann Sommer who made the difference for Inter Milan.
Yamal was just incredible, but Sommer was better.
Inter will head to Munich for the final. Who will they face?
We will get to know that tomorrow!
Until then, good night and thanks for staying with us.
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025, 9:02 PM
92' | Yellow card
Augsto gets the yellow card for a foul on Yamal.
May 6, 2025, 9:00 PM
91' | First half of extra time starts
Inter start the first half of the extra time.
May 6, 2025, 8:57 PM
We are into extra time!
We will have 30 more minutes of intense battle to see who will go to the final.
May 6, 2025, 8:57 PM
90+5' | Sommer makes the save
Yamal tries to toe poke the ball and Sommer makes the save. He could have get the penalty if he would have gone down
May 6, 2025, 8:55 PM
90+4' | Accceeerrrrrbbiiiiiii | INT 3-3 FCB (6-6)
Top-class finish from 36-year-old Acerbi.
His first European goal was from him. And, what a time to score that goal.
Yellow card for him for taking off his shirt.
Inter Milan 3-3 FC Barcelona (6-6)
May 6, 2025, 8:53 PM
90+3' | Yamal hits the woodwork
Yamal with a powerful shot from the left of the box, hits the woodwork.
May 6, 2025, 8:52 PM
90+1' | Change for Barcelona
In: Lewandowski
Out: Ferran
May 6, 2025, 8:51 PM
5 minutes added
5 minutes added to the final 90 minutes of time.
May 6, 2025, 8:51 PM
What a season for Raphinha
21 - Raphinha has now equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's competition record from 2013-14 of 21 goal involvements in a single UEFA Champions League campaign (13 goals, 8 assists). Ballon. #INTBARpic.twitter.com/fc6Sf6SbZW
"It's difficult to handle him, we will try to limit the ball getting to him but it is impossible. He will be doubled, but we know he is very dangerous. He thinks so quickly, it's unbelievable."
May 6, 2025, 5:06 PM
Flick on missing Kounde and Balde!
"We can't change anything in terms of injuries. I'm not happy about it, but we can't change it. We have players who can play in those [full-back] positions. Balde and Jules [Koundé] are important for us, but we have Gerard [Martín], Héctor [Fort] and Ronald [Araújo], all of whom are capable of playing in that position."
May 6, 2025, 5:01 PM
Do you know?
Inter have gone 972 days without losing a Champions League home game, their last defeat was on September 7, 2022!
The first leg of the semi-final was one of the Champions League classics with a 3-3 result at the Lluís Companys.
Marcus Thuram scored the fastest goal of Champions League semi-final history with a 30-second goal in the game. In the 21st minute, Dumfries then extended the lead for Inter Milan.
But, Barcelona came back three minutes later with a stunning curling goal from Lamine Yamal. In the 38th minute, Ferran Torres scored again for Barcelona to make it 2-2.
However, Inter Milan were ready to strike back in the second half as Dumfries scored his second to hand Inter the lead, again.
But again, Barcelona came back two minutes later with a third goal from Raphinha, which was later confirmed to be an own goal by Inter goalkeeper Sommer.
Inter nearly won the tie if not Dumfries had been found an inch offside before scoring what could have been a well-deserved hat-trick for him.
We have everything to play for in the second leg. But Inter have not lost a home game in the UCL this season. Can Barcelona break that record?
May 6, 2025, 11:06 AM
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona: Last Meetings
Season
Competition
Venue
Date
Result
24/25
UEFA Champions League
Lluís Companys
31.4.2025
3:3
22/23
UEFA Champions League
Camp Nou
12.10.2022
3:3
22/23
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
04.10.2022
1:0 (Inter)
19/20
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
10.12.2019
1:2 (Barcelona)
19/20
UEFA Champions League
Camp Nou
02.10.2019
2:1 (Barcelona)
18/19
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
06.11.2018
1:1
18/19
UEFA Champions League
Camp Nou
24.10.2018
2:0 (Barcelona)
May 6, 2025, 11:05 AM
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona Head-to-head stats
In the 13 matches between these two sides, FC Barcelona have dominated the Italian side with a 6 to 2 win ratio. The remaining 5 games have been drawn. A total of 33 goals have been scored in the matches between these two teams.
Team
Wins
Draws
Goals Scored
Barcelona
6
5
20
Inter Milan
2
5
13
May 6, 2025, 11:02 AM
Tonight's Venue | San Siro
May 6, 2025, 11:01 AM
How to watch the match?
Indian football fans can watch the match LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV Channels. They can also stream the match LIVE on Sony LIV App and Website with a paid subscription.
May 6, 2025, 11:00 AM
Match Details
Match: Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25, semi-final, 2nd leg
Hansi Flick announced FC Barcelona's squad for the Inter vs Barcelona UCL semi-final second leg match at the San Siro, tomorrow. Barcelona's top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, returned to the squad after missing the first leg due to injury.
Lewandowski got injured against Celta Vigo on 19 April, and after spending two weeks in rehab, the Polish striker was given the green signal after Sunday's training session.
However, Alejandro Balde, another youngster on the rise for Barcelona, could not be fit for the tie. Balde has a hamstring injury, and the team management does not want to risk him in the second leg.
If Barcelona can make it to the Champions League final in Munich, the team wants him to be ready for that. Along with Balde, Jules Kounde, who had featured in every game for Barcelona this season, has already been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Since making his FC Barcelona debut just at the age of 15 in 2023, Lamine Yamal has broken multiple records. Here is every record of Lamine Yamal so far in his career.
Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.
Lamine Yamal, a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia Academy. Image | FC Barcelona
He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.
He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.
2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.
3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against.
4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.
5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga
On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.
7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.
9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.
10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.
12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match
In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.
Champions League Records
Lamine Yamal showcasing his skills. Image | SABC Sport
1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League
Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.
2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup
Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.
3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.
4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match
Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.
Lamine Yamal playing for the Spanish National Team. Image | The Independent
1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.
2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.
3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match
Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.
Lamine Yamal celebrating his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024. Image | Goal.com
Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age.
His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play.
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