Guti advises against Lionel Messi's possible return to Barcelona from Paris Saint-Germain

Former Real Madrid attacking midfielder Guti has expressed his belief that Lionel Messi should not return to Barcelona as the club is not in a position to win the UEFA Champions League with or without the Argentine superstar.

"If I were Messi, I wouldn't go back to Barcelona. He already achieved everything there. It's too big of a challenge at this moment. Now, with or without him, Barça won't win the Champions League," Guti said on El Chiringuito TV.

The 35-year-old Messi's relationship with Paris Saint-Germain has completely fractured, leading to the possibility of him returning to his former club. The only likely roadblock now is La Liga's approval of Barcelona's economic viability plan.

While a large section of supporters are excited about the possible comeback of their former captain and club legend, some former footballers and pundits seem to be against such a move. Former Argentina superstar and World Cup winner Mario Kempes had advised Messi against returning to Barcelona recently.

Kempes told TyC Sports: "If he (Messi) wants to play in the next World Cup, he will stay very well in France. For the Champions League, it is costing him a bit. At PSG, in three years, he will be perfect. We will also see him in the qualifiers.

"Little by little, we will see Messi's physical rhythm. There is one thing in which Messi beats everyone: he runs when he has to run. It's not that he runs to vice. No. If he continues with this winning mentality, it will be like that. He will not arrive like now in 2022, but with his left foot he has one hand and can put it anywhere," Kempes said.

Barcelona are working hard behind the scenes to make the dream of Messi's return a reality. The club have already sent in their economic viability plan to La Liga for approval, and once the green light comes, they will table a formal contract offer to the legend.

However, everything hinges on the league and whether they are willing to accept Barca's viability plan.